The Zimbabwean government has raised the alarm over a growing online job scam targeting Zimbabwean job seekers with false promises of employment opportunities in Kenya. This fraudulent operation has been linked to a deceptive Facebook page masquerading as the “Zimbabwe Embassy Kenya.”
A Dangerous Deception
In an official statement, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade exposed the scam, which claims to recruit staff for the Zimbabwean Embassy in Nairobi. The fraudulent scheme demands applicants pay Ksh48,187 (approximately US$375) for an “Africa Regional Labour Accreditation Certificate” as part of the recruitment process.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade wishes to advise the public of a job recruitment SCAM advertised on a Facebook page created on June 14, 2025, by unknown individuals under the name ‘Zimbabwe Embassy Kenya,’” the statement said.
The ministry clarified that this Facebook page has no affiliation with the Zimbabwean Embassy, the government, or any official public service recruitment channels.
Key Details of the Scam
- False Claims: The Facebook page claims to be recruiting staff on behalf of the Zimbabwean Embassy in Kenya.
- Payment Requirement: Applicants are asked to pay Ksh48,187 to receive a fake accreditation certificate.
- No Official Links: The ministry emphasized that recruitment into Zimbabwe’s public service is managed exclusively by the Public Service Commission, free of charge.
A Growing Threat
This warning comes amidst a surge in sophisticated online employment scams that exploit vulnerable job seekers. Zimbabwe’s government is collaborating with law enforcement agencies and social media platforms to investigate the source of the fake Facebook page and shut it down.
In May 2024, Zimbabwe and Kenya signed a bilateral agreement that simplified travel requirements for Zimbabwean citizens. However, scammers seem to have exploited this development to make their fraudulent schemes appear more credible.
Advice to Job Seekers
Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged citizens to remain vigilant when seeking employment abroad. Prospective applicants were reminded to verify job offers through official government offices or embassies.
“This scam is a reminder to exercise caution,” the ministry stressed. “Genuine job recruitment is conducted through official channels and does not involve fees.”
Tackling Online Scams
The Zimbabwean government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens from exploitation. Efforts to trace the perpetrators and dismantle their operations are ongoing. This includes collaboration with social media companies to curb the spread of fraudulent accounts preying on unsuspecting individuals.
