The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has warned Kenyans to be careful of fraudsters pretending to offer jobs using the board’s name
In a press release issued on Thursday, February 12th, HELB cautioned the Kenyan public, particularly the unemployed, to be watchful of people and organizations claiming to have employment opportunities.
The agency made clear their stance of not employing people through intermediaries, i.e., no agents or third-party recruiters are used, and official announcements are made through their own medium, HELB.
“HELB wishes to inform the public and all applicants that the loans board does not recruit through the services of any agent or agency,” the agency said.
For those seeking jobs in Nairobi, HELB noted that while searching for jobs, it does not demand any recruitment fees and that applicants do not need to provide medical reports or any documents aside from those advertised in the official advert.
Demands for money to facilitate a job or secure a shortlisting for a job should be treated as a form of fraud and reported to the police.
The board cautioned Kenyans to be watchful and not to associate with persons who claimed to be able to facilitate jobs at HELB in return for money and favors.
“Members of the public should beware and refrain from engaging with individuals or groups that purport to represent HELB in exchange for job opportunities,” it emphasized.
For the purpose of getting information or reporting anything suspicious, HELB allowed the public to contact them through their official contact channels such as their phone line and email.
“All official communications from HELB go out only through verified channels. For any queries, you can contact us on +254 711 052 000 or contactcentre@helb.co.ke,” HELB stated.
This is coming in an era where scammers are luring desperate unemployed persons into fraudulent activities by pretending to offer employment opportunities.
In the meanwhile, HELB renewed its commitment to fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment, urging the public to report any suspicious recruitment activities.