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Scam! Beware fake jobs advertised for new Rivatex factory in Kenya

In June 2019 Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned a revamped Rivatex textile factory in the town of Eldoret. Barely a week later, fake jobs were already on offer.

The factory is set to employ 4,000 people, the trade department said on 21 June. On 23 June, a Facebook post appeared claiming Rivatex was looking to hire 3,000 workers in June and July. It was reposted on 24 June.

“Following the reopening of Rivatex East Africa Textile Limited in Eldoret by The President on Friday 21st June 2019, we wish to announce new job vacancies for qualified and competent personnel in the various departments of the company,” the advert reads.

“All interested applicants in the following departments can submit their applications online and be ready for an interview within a week.”



Fake Google Form and KSh350 fee


The ad links to a Google Form where job-seekers can apparently apply. The ad says the starting salary is KSh25,900.

But it is not for free. The ad says people must part with KSh350, “a non-refundable interview fee”. Payment options include National Bank and M-Pesa.

No job vacancies and no fee


But on 24 June Rivatex warned on its official Facebook page that it did not have any jobs to offer yet, and did not charge job-seekers a fee.

“There are no job vacancies at the moment,” the statement by Silah Kosgei, the company’s public relations officer, reads.

“We are aware that following President Uhuru Kenyatta's recent visit, there is a lot of information circulating on social media on our purported job offers.

“It is important to note that our recruitment process is always made public through our website and in the dailies. It is in this regard that we urge the public to be patient until we shall make such announcement.

“For now, we are not hiring. Nobody should ask for money while promising you a slot at our facility.”

Africa Check has previously exposed other fake adverts posted on this Facebook page, for the census and Huduma Namba. – Dancan Bwire




 

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