Stay safe

Spot a fake nurse recruiter

Kenyan nurses who want to move to the USA are a big target for scams. These red flags protect your money and your time.

Red flags: walk away if you see these

They ask you to pay a placement, "processing" or job fee, especially to a personal M-Pesa number. Legitimate agencies say they don't charge recruitment fees; Conexus MedStaff, for example, says "You don't pay any recruitment fees", and Connetics says employers pay its fees.
They promise a fixed short timeline, like "USRN in 6 months" or "guaranteed visa". Nurses and agencies often report around 2 to 4 years from passing the NCLEX to arrival, because of visa queues.
No full written contract, or pressure to sign today.
They won't put early-exit costs in writing. No agency page we checked publishes its breach amounts, so always ask.
The job offer comes only by WhatsApp or a free email address, with no hospital or company website to check.

How to check a recruiter

Find the agency or hospital's official website yourself and contact them through it. Our Stage 2 list links to official pages.
In Kenya, check whether a local recruitment agency is accredited on the National Employment Authority (NEA) site.
Ask other nurses who used them. Search the agency's name with "lawsuit" or "settlement".

Why early-exit fees matter

Some agencies have charged nurses large amounts for leaving early. In May 2025, New York's Attorney General found that Advanced Care Staffing charged up to $20,000; the agency paid $663,668.66 to 71 nurses and had to cap future penalties (press release). Other cases are listed, with their status, on Stage 2.

Last checked 14 Nov 2026

Scams after you arrive

Fake landlords and car sellers target newcomers too. See Stage 5.

Information only, not legal advice. If you think you've been scammed, keep every message and receipt.