By Simba Munyua
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwean government has issued an urgent warning to its citizens about a sophisticated online scam operating through a fake Facebook page posing as the Kenyan Embassy. The fraudulent scheme promises job opportunities in Kenya but demands payment for a bogus “Africa Regional Labour Accreditation Certificate,” preying on the desperation of job seekers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade released a statement alerting the public to the Facebook page, deceptively titled “Zimbabwe Embassy Kenya,” which was created on June 14th by unidentified individuals. The page falsely claims to be handling employment recruitment for Zimbabweans seeking work in Kenya.
A key component of the scam involves demanding $375 (approximately KSh 48,000) from applicants under the guise of securing a non-existent “Africa Regional Labour Accreditation Certificate.” The Ministry has firmly clarified that no such certificate is required for legitimate employment opportunities, and that no government recruitment process involves payment of any kind.
“Official recruitment is handled exclusively by Zimbabwe’s Public Service Commission and is always free of charge,” the ministry spokesperson stated. The statement further emphasized that the Facebook page has no affiliation with the Zimbabwean Embassy in Kenya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or any recognized government institution.
Citizens are being urged to disregard any offers made through the fake Facebook page and to avoid sharing personal or financial information. The government warns that victims of such scams risk financial loss, identity theft, and other serious consequences.
The Ministry advises Zimbabweans to exercise extreme caution when searching for jobs online and to verify opportunities directly through official government websites or by contacting the Zimbabwean Embassy in Kenya directly.
This warning comes amidst growing concerns in Zimbabwe and across Southern Africa about the increasing sophistication of online job scams. Fraudsters are becoming increasingly adept at mimicking the branding, language, and procedures of legitimate institutions, making it harder for unsuspecting job seekers to distinguish between genuine opportunities and fraudulent schemes. The government is urging vigilance and emphasizing the importance of verifying any job offer directly with the relevant official bodies.
