The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has called for disciplinary action against senior officers in the National Police Service and top officials at the National Employment Authority (NEA) after investigations into the controversial First Choice Agency uncovered serious misconduct and regulatory failures.

In a comprehensive report prompted by complaints from affected youths and human rights groups, the commission found that some police commanders in Uasin Gishu County ignored multiple fraud reports, allegedly intimidated complainants and failed to protect vulnerable job seekers targeted by the recruitment scheme.

CAJ Chief Executive Officer Charles Dulo said the probe revealed alarming inaction and negligence by officers mandated to enforce the law.

According to the report, this failure created room for the fraudulent operation to continue while discouraging victims from pursuing justice.

“Our investigations revealed clear negligence and failure to act on credible complaints, which allowed the fraudulent scheme to thrive at the expense of vulnerable job seekers,” Dulo explained.

Among those cited are officers who were in charge of investigations and station administration at the Eldoret Police Station at a time when numerous complaints were lodged but little action was taken.

“Public officers entrusted with protecting citizens must be held accountable when their inaction or misconduct enables exploitation and injustice,” he continued.

The commission has directed the National Police Service Commission to initiate disciplinary proceedings and submit a progress report within six months.

It also faulted senior NEA officials, including the director-general and the head of labour migration, for weak oversight that allowed the agency and other unregistered recruiters to operate unchecked.

Further, CAJ has asked the Labour and Skills Development ministry to take administrative action against the implicated NEA officers and inform the commission of the measures taken.

Rights activists and victims of the scheme welcomed the recommendations, saying they mark an important step toward accountability for institutions that failed thousands of young Kenyans seeking legitimate opportunities abroad.

The investigation followed widespread claims that the agency collected hefty cash payments from hopeful applicants with promises of overseas jobs and study placements that never materialised.