KWS Warns Kenyans On Fake Recruitment Letters, Reveals 3 Things To Look Out For
KWS emphasized that the recruitment process was free of charge at all centres, and no candidates should pay to be recruited.
Prudence Murithi 
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Wednesday, May 22 issued a warning to the public regarding fraudulent recruitment letters circulating online, purportedly from KWS.
KWS Director General Erustus Kanga expressed concerns that fraudsters might be exploiting the recent legitimate recruitment drive to deceive Kenyans.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, KWS stated, "The attention of Kenya Wildlife Service has been drawn to fake calling letters being issued by fraudsters. We strongly advise the public to be vigilant of the fake letters and report the fraudsters to the nearest KWS station or police station."
KWS emphasized that the recruitment process was free of charge at all centres, and no candidates should pay to be recruited.
KWS rangers during a past parade in 2014. /KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE
"As stated in the advert and at all recruitment centres, the recruitment process was free of charge. Kaa Chonjo, Usidanganywe!" KWS reiterated.
Features To Look Out For
Following the circulation of the fake letters, KWS cited a list of things to look out for in a genuine recruitment calling letter. One of them is that genuine recruitment letters have distinct security features that differentiate them from fake ones.
The security features on original recruitment cards include a centrally placed KWS logo, a watermark, and a unique serial number.
Kenyans were therefore urged to be particularly keen while verifying the serial number, as those on genuine cards are distinct.
Meanwhile, KWS outlined that in most instances the fake recruitment letters contain grammatical errors, incorrect formatting, wrong reporting dates, and a poorly styled signature, adding “Due to security concerns, samples of genuine cards cannot be displayed publicly."
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua while commenting on the matter stated that "Four individuals are already in custody over allegations of fraud related to this incident."
Recruitment Drive
On April 15, KWS embarked on a nationwide recruitment drive across various counties, including Lamu, Marsabit, Isiolo, Embu, Kitui, Machakos, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Nandi, Migori, and Kisii. This effort continued on April 16 in Tana River, Meru, Makueni, Kirinyaga, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Homabay, and Nyamira counties, attracting large turnouts.
The third day saw youth from Kilifi, Wajir, Tharaka Nithi, Murang’a, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kajiado, Bomet, Bungoma, and Kisumu counties lining up for the recruitment process. The drive concluded at Kericho's Kiprugut Chumo stadium, where 15 people were recruited after an intensive exercise.
KWS announced 150 vacancies for cadets (Assistant Warden I) and 1,350 openings for rangers in a notice on March 20, 2024.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua during a meeting with KICC board members on February 8, 2024. /ALFRED MUTUA
"The Service operates in a remote environment and seeks to recruit 1,500 young and dynamic individuals as cadets (Assistant Warden I) - 150 and Rangers - 1,350 who can endure the conditions for training and deployment to various conservation areas in response to the wildlife protection challenges currently being experienced in the country," the agency said.
The legitimate recruitment advertisement, which ran in the My Gov pull-out dated March 19th, indicated that all successful candidates would undergo mandatory paramilitary training at the Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani before deployment across KWS' eight conservation areas.
