Photo Image of Bernard Masaku the Proprietor of Talal International Wildlife Conservation Foundation with the Poster that was Circulated in the Social Media calling for interested youth to apply. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Dozens of youths in Makueni County are demanding refunds after being conned by an organization operating under the name Talal International Wildlife Conservation Foundation, which posed as a sponsor for technical training courses.
The foundation, claiming to partner with the County Government of Makueni, promised to fully fund students at Wote Technical Training Institute, Kibwezi West Vocational College, and Wambuli Technical College.
Each applicant was required to pay a Ksh 3,000 "commitment" or "admission" fee, allegedly to process school IDs and secure their placement. The beneficiaries were further assured that after completing the short courses and attachments, they would receive start-up kits to launch their businesses.
However, the dream soon turned into a nightmare. When the reporting dates arrived in July, the orientation exercise collapsed in confusion, with the Talal team led by Bernard Masaku, Jacinta, and Odack being arrested by DCI officers.
Soon after, the WhatsApp group that had been created to coordinate students were abruptly shut down, leaving parents and learners in limbo.
“I personally paid Ksh 9,000 for three students. We were enrolled in different courses, but when the reporting date came, the organizers disappeared, and communication was cut off,” recounted Asumpta Mwikali, one of the victims.
Others, like Nicholas Wambua, realized something was amiss when the money paid through a Paybill number reflected the name Talal Safaris instead of the institution or the supposed foundation.
“It became clear this was a con when classes failed to start, and even the school management distanced itself from the program,” he said.
The victims say they want justice. “We demand a refund of our money. If the County Government and Wote Technical knew this sponsorship was not genuine, why did they not communicate to us? Either they refund us or allow us to proceed to class,” said Dennis Mwendwa.
Wote Technical Training Institute Principal, Joshua Munywoki, denied any involvement in the scandal, insisting the school had no formal arrangement with Talal International.
“We sympathize with those who were conned in our name, but as an institution we were never part of this scheme. We urge students to pursue genuine sponsorship opportunities through CDF, HELB, or KUCCPS,” he said.
Makueni County Chief Officer for Education, Irene Makau, confirmed that her office had only one informal meeting with the group and no agreement was signed.
“They came to my office. I told them I needed a formal Write Up but when they left my office they never returned again”, said Irene.
Our Investigations show that this is not the first time Talal International, under Masaku, had duped Kenyans. In 2023, the organization reportedly tricked hundreds of institutions by falsely claiming they had won grants for climate resilience projects.
Efforts to obtain a response from Masaku were unsuccessful, as repeated calls to his phone went unanswered.
The youths now say they will not relent until their money is refunded and those responsible held to account.
