The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has exposed the dealings of a fake college suspected to have defrauded Kenyans money to the tune of Ksh 70 million.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 17, DCI confirmed receipt of a complaint from one victim who had fallen for the trap of the institution reportedly charging students a fee of Ksh350,000.
As per DCI, investigations established that the college located along Mfangano Road, Nairobi started operating in 2021.
In contravention of the regulations governing operations of such ventures, the college did not register as a training institution, and it was only registered as an unspecified business.
“The DCI wishes to notify members of the public that Branka International College situated along Mfangano Road, Hakati House in Nairobi is under active investigations following numerous complaints by the institution’s alumni who are crying foul,” read part of the statement.
According to the statement, numerous unsuspecting students paid the fees for the course they hoped would guarantee them opportunities in foreign countries including Australia and the USA.
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However, their dreams were shattered, and they were instead left trying to get a refund for their money.
Upon paying the said fees, the college offered a one-week long course after which the students were left in waiting mode.
Additionally, DCI reported that some students were forced to drop out based on not meeting the minimum requirements.
After getting wind of the ongoing DCI investigation, the owners attempted to register the institution albeit with no success.
“The proprietors only made several unsuccessful attempts to register it through online Technical and Vocational Education and Training Management Information System (TVET MIS) application portal recently after getting wind of the ongoing investigations,” the statement read in part.
How suspects dodged DCI
In what appears to be a well-orchestrated scheme, the proprietors would threaten the victims with legal suits to frustrate their calls for refunds.
As per the statement, DCI had asked the suspect in the case, a lady named Teresia Mumbi to avail the college’s licenses and other relevant documents including one confirming the alleged partnerships with companies in the USA, Europe and Australia.
However, DCI notes, the suspect was reluctant to comply and instead filed for anticipatory bond application in a High Court.
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“She has further avoided the institution premises since,” DCI explained.
Considering the plight of the victims in the case, DCI warned Kenyans enrolling for courses in various tertiary level institutions to be wary of the existence of such fraudulence.
Meanwhile, the investigative unit assured the public that investigations were ongoing to ensure an expeditious conclusion of the case.
