Beware of fake job ads at Kenyan roads agency Kura and supermarket chain Quickmart
IN SHORT: These ads ask Kenyans to apply for jobs via WhatsApp and dodgy email addresses. But their main aim is to trick users into sharing personal information or paying "registration fees". Always verify jobs on official sites.
Fraudsters are evolving their tactics to better deceive jobseekers. Initially scammers used Google Forms to collect personal information such as ID numbers, phone contacts and CVs. These were often disguised as official job applications.
Most of these scams also required applicants to pay registration or processing fees, which were claimed to be necessary for shortlisting or training.
As awareness grew, the tactics used by these scammers became more direct, asking job seekers via WhatsApp to express their interest. This allowed fraudsters to build trust and eventually demand money for non-existent opportunities.
Scammers are also increasingly using generic email addresses such as Gmail, Outlook or Yahoo to collect people's personal information and money.
Fake Kenya roads agency job ad
A job advertisement posted on Facebook claims that the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) is recruiting for several positions.
Kura develops and manages Kenya's national urban roads.
The ad lists various job openings, including public relations officers, accounts officers and civil engineers. It asks applicants to apply via [email protected] by 10 March 2025. This is a red flag as government jobs usually use official emails.
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This job ad also appears here, here, here, here, here and here.
But it is not legit.
We checked Kura's website and found no such jobs advertised.
We also checked the roads agency's Facebook and X accounts and did not find the jobs advertised.
The fake Quickmart job ad
Another job ad posted on Facebook shows vacancies at Quickmart, a Kenyan supermarket chain.
The listed vacancies include cashiers, security guards, receptionists, secretaries, accountants and warehouse supervisors. Interested applicants are asked to apply by calling or texting on WhatsApp, starting with "QUICKMART".
This job ad also appears here, here, here, here and here.
But is this one legitimate? We checked.
Red flags: asking for personal details, registration fees
When we texted the listed number on WhatsApp, we received a message asking for personal details such as name, phone number, location and national identification number. We were also asked for a registration fee of KSh300.
Both ads show typical signs of job scams, including the use of generic email addresses, absence on official websites and requests for personal information or money.
Job seekers should always verify listings through official company channels before applying.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, see Africa Check's guide on how to spot job scams.
