Govt Issues Warning as Cartel Swindling Millions From Teachers Resurfaces

Teachers Service Commission headquarters in Nairobi
Teachers Service Commission headquarters in Nairobi
TSC /Twitter

Kenyan teachers have been warned following the resurgence of a cartel that had swindled millions of shillings from unsuspecting tutors.

Speaking on Saturday, November 27, during media sensitisation, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chief Executive Officer Nancy Macharia challenged the tutors to be wary of the new cartel.

She noted that the cons, who had operated at the National Treasury at some point in the past, targeted teachers who were eligible for pension as well as new recruits.

The scammers often contacted the teachers with promises of expediting the process of disbursing their retirement benefits at a small fee, a promise that never comes to fruition.

TSC CEO Nancy Macharia addressing teachers at Safari Park Hotel on Tuesday, July 13, 2021
TSC CEO Nancy Macharia addressing teachers at Safari Park Hotel on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.
TSC /Twitter

Pensions, teacher recruitment, promotions and transfers were the most affected areas according to Macharia who confirmed that initially, the cartels from National Treasury colluded with rogue individuals stationed at TSC.

"It is true, there were some cartels between us and the National Treasury. As you know, this cartels, I am sure you discovered them during recruitment and no matter how much we advertise that these services are free, why do people feel compelled to pay for something that should be done? Your pension is your pension regardless," stated Macharia.

She further noted that previously, the fraudsters had converted an eatery in Nairobi into an office through which they ran the syndicate.

"These people are not in TSC. When we called the DCI (Directorate of Criminal Investigations), because the situation had gotten so bad, that we had to have a meeting with National Treasury, there was a cafe in town which they had made their office.

"They call you, you send money and then they change that number. When you call later, the number is not working," added Macharia during the event in Naivasha.

TSC is one of the biggest employers in Kenya managing over 300,000 tutors. Over 8,000 teachers retire from the service every year.

In July 2021, thousands of teachers lost millions to the scammers on the pretext that they could be helped secure teaching jobs.

Many teachers had reported complaints after being defrauded the funds which then caught the eye of the DCI.

Teachers Service Commission (TSC) offices
Teachers Service Commission (TSC) offices
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