The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) on Tuesday, April 25, clarified a viral post calling for internship applications across the country and charging Ksh5,000 to the applicants.
In a statement, MCK cautioned the public to be alert to avoid falling prey to fraudsters targeting gullible citizens.
"Please ignore the poster purporting to announce intake into our Industrial Placement program. Further, MCK does not ask for any payments for admission into the program," read part of the statement.
"We will announce the next intake via our communication platforms, in the usual manner," MCK added.
According to the viral post shared online, the applicants were required to make a payment to secure a slot in the next intake.
Cunningly, the fraudsters defended the payment as a way to filter the number of applicants - arguing that they often received an overwhelming number of applicants.
Furthermore, the fraudsters promised the applicants enticing benefits comprising paid internships, press cards as well as insurance from trusted insurers across the country.
"All applications should be done through the email provided, shortlisted candidates will be notified through the email address system," read part of the fake post.
How to Spot Scammers
Kenyans are urged to be wary of unscrupulous scammers targeting desperate job seekers as the rate of unemployment continues to rise.
Jobseekers are urged to check the job posting for grammatical or spelling errors as most organisations would not jeopardise their reputation with poorly written job adverts.
Also, applicants are urged to check online to cross-check the information on the advert with the organisation's platforms.
Job seekers are advised to treat job adverts asking them to pay some money as red flags. The tactic is used to con desperate and clueless Kenyans.
In November 2022, MCK announced internship positions for students paying Ksh15,000 monthly. The process was set to start in February 2023.
