Amount: Approximately 500,000 acres of land 

People Involved: Jomo Kenyatta (First President of Kenya), the Kenyatta family, close political allies, and influential figures within the government. 

Details: 

During Jomo Kenyatta's presidency, vast tracts of public and community land were irregularly allocated to the Kenyatta family and their political allies. The Kenyatta family accumulated approximately 500,000 acres of land across Kenya, including prime agricultural land in Rift Valley and Coast provinces. This accumulation of land was done through manipulation of land allocation policies and the misuse of power, contributing to deep-rooted land inequality and disputes that persist today. 

Amount: Approximately Ksh 14 million (then $2 million) 

People Involved: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, politicians in Kenyatta's government. 

Details: 

This scandal involved the allocation of public funds for a molasses plant in Kisumu. The plant was never completed, and funds disappeared, leading to the collapse of the project. The scandal was a key issue in the rivalry between President Jomo Kenyatta and his former Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. 

Amount: Estimated at over Ksh 5 billion (at the time)  

People Involved: Senior government officials, coffee board members, and influential businessmen. 

Details: 

The Coffee Scandal involved the mismanagement and embezzlement of funds within Kenya’s coffee industry, one of the country’s key export sectors. Officials at the Coffee Board of Kenya, along with politicians and businessmen, engaged in illegal coffee trading, underreporting exports, and siphoning off profits. The scandal led to significant losses for farmers and contributed to the decline of Kenya’s coffee industry, which had been a major foreign exchange earner. 

Amount: Ksh 600 million (approximately $70 million at the time)  

People Involved: Senior government officials, including Bruce Mackenzie (then Minister of Agriculture) and a group of Dutch and American businessmen. 

Details: 

The Ken-Ren Fertilizer scandal involved a fraudulent deal to establish a fertilizer plant in Mombasa, Kenya. The project was heavily financed by loans from international creditors, but the plant was never built. Despite the absence of any tangible output, Kenya was left to repay the loans, which were used to pay kickbacks and bribes to government officials. This scandal exposed the deep-seated corruption in government procurement processes and left Kenya with a significant financial burden. 

Amount: Approximately 800,000 acres of land 

People Involved: Daniel arap Moi (Second President of Kenya), the Moi family, senior government officials, and politically connected individuals. 

Details: 

During Daniel arap Moi's presidency, vast tracts of land, particularly in Rift Valley and other agriculturally rich areas, were allocated to the Moi family and their associates. This land was often taken from public ownership or indigenous communities and redistributed to loyalists of the Moi regime. The Moi family alone is estimated to have acquired around 800,000 acres. The scandal exacerbated land inequality and fueled ethnic tensions, contributing to the ongoing land disputes in Kenya. This land accumulation by the Moi family and allies was emblematic of the broader corruption and patronage that characterized Moi’s rule. 

Amount: Estimated at millions of Kenyan Shillings (exact figures not widely documented) 

People Involved: Senior officials at Kenyatta National Hospital, Ministry of Health officials, and contractors.  

Details: 

The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) scandal of the 1980s involved widespread corruption and mismanagement at Kenya's largest referral hospital. The scandal primarily revolved around the misuse of funds allocated for hospital maintenance, procurement of medical supplies, and staff salaries. Key hospital officials and ministry bureaucrats were implicated in awarding inflated contracts to suppliers, some of whom delivered substandard or even non-existent goods and services. The hospital's equipment and facilities deteriorated significantly during this period, leading to a severe decline in the quality of healthcare provided to patients. One of the most shocking aspects of the scandal was the discovery that vital medicines and medical supplies were either missing or sold off illegally, leaving patients without essential care. Additionally, funds meant for the renovation of hospital wards and the purchase of new medical equipment were siphoned off, leading to overcrowded and dilapidated facilities.

Amount: Approximately Ksh 4 billion ($450 million) 

People Involved: Nicholas Biwott (Then Minister of Energy), Daniel arap Moi (Second President of Kenya), French contractors (Spie Batignolles, the construction company), and Senior Government Officials

Details: 

The Turkwell Hydroelectric Dam project, initiated in the mid-1980s, was intended to provide much-needed electricity to the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. However, the project quickly became infamous for massive corruption, mismanagement, and gross inflation of costs. Originally budgeted at around Ksh 4 billion, the final cost ballooned to nearly four times the initial estimate, with significant amounts of money being siphoned off through kickbacks and inflated contracts.

Amount: Estimated at Ksh 77 billion ($600 million) 

People Involved: Kamlesh Pattni, George Saitoti, Joseph Kanyotu, Professor Philip Mbithi, former President Daniel arap Moi, Cyrus Jirongo, and other high-ranking officials. 

Details: 

This scandal involved the government paying out exorbitant compensation to a company, Goldenberg International, for fictitious gold and diamond exports. It is one of the largest corruption cases in Kenya’s history, resulting in severe damage to the economy. 

Amount: Estimated at Ksh 70 billion  

People Involved: Chris Murungaru, David Mwiraria, Jimmy Wanjigi, and former President Mwai Kibaki's administration. 

Details: 

This scandal involved the award of phantom contracts to Anglo Leasing and Finance Company for the procurement of security equipment. Payments were made for non-existent goods and services. The scandal became public after whistleblower John Githongo exposed it. 

Amount: Estimated at Ksh 2 billion ($26 million) 

People Involved: William Ruto (then Agriculture Minister) and other government officials. 

Details: 

The scandal involved the illegal sale of maize from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to private millers at below-market prices, leading to a maize shortage and inflated prices. It was highly criticized during the 2009 drought that left millions of Kenyans starving. 

Amount: Ksh 4.2 billion ($48 million) 

People Involved: Top Ministry of Education officials. 

Details: 

This involved the embezzlement of funds meant for Kenya's free primary education program. Donors froze funding after it was revealed that funds were siphoned off by officials at the Ministry of Education. 

Amount: Ksh 7.6 billion ($90 million) 

People Involved: George Okungu, Ezekiel Oyugi, and other KPC officials. 

Details: 

The scandal involved inflated contracts for the construction of an oil pipeline and the illegal sale of company land. The contracts were awarded to unqualified contractors, leading to massive losses.

Amount: Ksh 52 million ($596,000) 

People Involved: Kenyan election and examination officials, and British printing firm Smith & Ouzman. 

Details: 

This bribery scandal involved Kenyan officials receiving bribes, nicknamed “chicken,” from a British company to secure printing contracts. It affected the procurement of election and examination materials. 

Amount: Ksh 24 billion (approximately $160 million)

People Involved: Ministry of Education officials, suppliers, and Olive Telecommunications.

Details: 

This project aimed to provide laptops to primary school students across Kenya but faced accusations of inflated costs, procurement irregularities, and poor-quality devices. The scandal led to significant public outrage and demands for accountability from those involved.

Amount: Ksh 5 billion (approximately $58 million)

People Involved: Kazungu Kambi (then Cabinet Secretary for Labour), top officials at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), board members, and contractors.

Details: 

The NSSF scandal involving Kazungu Kambi focused on the controversial approval of a Ksh 5 billion tender for the development of infrastructure for the Tassia II Housing Scheme in Nairobi. Allegations arose that the procurement process was marred by irregularities and that the contract was awarded without proper authorization from the NSSF board. Critics argued that the project’s cost was grossly inflated and that there was a lack of transparency in how the tender was awarded. This scandal highlighted significant governance issues within the NSSF and raised public concerns about the mismanagement of funds meant to protect the retirement savings of Kenyan workers. The case underscored the need for stricter oversight and accountability in the management of public resources.

Amount: Ksh 250 billion ($2.75 billion)   

People Involved: Henry Rotich (then Treasury Cabinet Secretary), senior government officials. 

Details: 

The government raised $2.75 billion from international investors, but the use of these funds was shrouded in mystery. Allegations arose that a significant portion of the Eurobond proceeds was misappropriated or unaccounted for. 

Amount: Ksh 791 million ($7.9 million) in 2015, and Ksh 9 billion ($90 million) in 2018 

People Involved: Anne Waiguru (then Devolution Cabinet Secretary), Josephine Kabura, Ben Gethi, and other NYS officials. 

Details: 

NYS officials siphoned off billions through fraudulent procurement deals. The funds were channeled to individuals and companies connected to government officials. The scandal tainted President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government and led to the resignation of key officials. 

Amount: Ksh 5 billion ($50 million)  

People Involved: Nicholas Muraguri (Then Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health), Cleopa Mailu (Then Cabinet Secretary for Health), Senior Ministry of Health officials, Business associates and suppliers connected to fraudulent contracts

Details: 

This scandal involved the embezzlement of funds intended for the free maternity program and other health services. The funds were lost through inflated invoices, ghost suppliers, and fraudulent procurements. 

Amount: Ksh 1 billion (approximately $10 million)

People Involved: Senior officials from the Ministry of Health, contractors, and suppliers.

Details: 

The Mobile Clinics Scandal involved the procurement of 100 mobile clinic units intended to provide healthcare services in remote areas of Kenya. Investigations revealed that the clinics were bought at highly inflated prices, and many of the units were found to be substandard or unusable. The scandal exposed significant corruption and mismanagement within the Ministry of Health, leading to public outcry and demands for accountability. Despite the funds allocated for improving healthcare accessibility, the misappropriation and misuse of resources resulted in a failure to deliver the intended services to the Kenyan people.

Amount: Ksh 3.4 billion (approximately $34 million)

People Involved: Officials from the State Department of Special Programmes under the Ministry of Devolution

Details

The Auditor General's report for the financial year 2017/2018, presented in the National Assembly, revealed that the State Department of Special Programmes under the Ministry of Devolution could not account for Ksh 3.4 billion allocated for the distribution of relief food to vulnerable populations. The report exposed discrepancies in the records of foodstuff receipts and distribution, suggesting that the intended beneficiaries might not have received the relief aid. This mismanagement points to a significant misuse of public funds, raising concerns about the accountability and efficiency of government programs aimed at supporting vulnerable communities.

Amount: Ksh 5.6 billion (approximately $56 million) unaccounted for, with questionable records for an additional Ksh 14 billion (approximately $140 million)

People Involved: National Social Security Fund (NSSF) officials, employers, and government oversight bodies

Details

The NSSF unremitted contributions scandal involves a significant gap in accounting for billions of shillings of employees' monthly contributions. The Auditor-General's report for the 2017/2018 financial year revealed that the NSSF failed to implement legal provisions requiring employers to deduct contributions from employees' salaries and remit them to the Fund on time. This failure has resulted in a Ksh 5.6 billion hole in unremitted contributions, jeopardizing the retirement benefits of thousands of workers who retire annually. The report also casts doubt on the accuracy of an additional Ksh 14 billion listed as the balance of members' contributions as of June 30, 2018, raising concerns about the overall financial management and transparency of the NSSF. This scandal has sparked outrage over the mismanagement of funds critical to the social safety net for Kenyan workers.

Amount: Ksh 2.3 billion (approximately $23 million)

People Involved: Officials from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), government oversight bodies

Details

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) fertilizer sale scandal involves the inability to account for Ksh 2.3 billion, which was supposed to be realized from the sale of various types of fertilizers. According to the Auditor-General's report for the financial year ended June 30, 2018, the NCPB failed to provide a proper account for the funds obtained from the sale of 2,303,235 million bags of fertilizer. This lack of accountability highlights significant gaps in financial management and raises concerns about potential misappropriation or embezzlement of public funds intended to support agricultural productivity in Kenya.

Amount: Billions of shillings (exact amount uncertain)   

People Involved: Senior Kenya Power officials, suppliers. 

Details: 

Kenya Power officials were involved in fraudulent procurement deals, inflating the cost of contracts, and billing for nonexistent services. The scandal contributed to the financial distress of the state corporation. 

Amount: Ksh 10 billion (approximately $100 million)

People Involved: Top officials at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), government officials, and grain suppliers.

Details

The NCPB maize scandal involved allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption related to the procurement and distribution of maize meant for subsidized flour in Kenya. Reports indicated that Ksh 10 billion was allocated for purchasing maize from farmers and distributing it to millers at subsidized rates. However, it was revealed that there were significant irregularities, including over-invoicing, fraudulent claims, and the diversion of funds. Some suppliers and officials were accused of inflating costs and siphoning off funds meant for maize procurement. The scandal led to a severe shortage of affordable maize flour, impacting food security and causing public outrage over the misuse of funds intended to support farmers and stabilize food prices.

Amount: Ksh 1.5 billion ($15 million) 

People Involved: Fred Matiang'i (then Interior Cabinet Secretary), top government officials. 

Details: 

Government officials were accused of irregularly acquiring public land and paying inflated prices for it. The scandal involved questionable compensation for land that was already public property. 

Amount: Ksh 2.63 billion (approximately $26.3 million)

People Involved: Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) officials, board of directors

Details

The Auditor General, Edward Ouko, revealed in his report significant financial mismanagement at the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). The report highlighted a loss of billions of shillings in unaccounted funds, pointing to severe lapses in adherence to public expenditure regulations. Among the irregularities, the CA board of directors was found to have pocketed Ksh 2.1 million for Christmas shopping vouchers without obtaining necessary approvals from the parent ministry or the National Treasury. Additionally, the report noted that the CA could not account for Ksh 2,631,195,000 listed as general expenditure in its books, raising concerns about the transparency and integrity of the authority’s financial practices.

Amount: Ksh 63 billion ($630 million) 

People Involved: Henry Rotich (then Treasury Cabinet Secretary), Kamau Thugge, Italian contractors, and other government officials. 

Details: 

The construction of two dams in Elgeyo Marakwet County was riddled with financial irregularities. Funds were released for projects that never materialized, and the involved contractors vanished without completing the work. 

Amount: Ksh 7.8 billion ($78 million) 

People Involved: Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) officials, and politically connected business people. 

Details: 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, funds meant for medical supplies were looted through inflated tenders and fraudulent procurements. The scandal outraged the public as it involved exploiting a national crisis for personal gain. 

Amount: Ksh 7.8 billion ($70 million)  

People Involved: Top KEMSA officials, suppliers. 

Details: 

Inflated tenders for the procurement of COVID-19 equipment and supplies. Allegations included overpricing, irregular contracts, and failure to deliver the procured items, highlighting deep-seated corruption in the health sector. 

Amount: Ksh 1.5 billion (approximately $15 million)

People Involved: Daniel Manduku (former Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority - KPA), KPA officials, contractors, and suppliers.

Details

The KPA scandal involved allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption. The scandal centered around the misuse of Ksh 1.5 billion allocated for port infrastructure projects. It was alleged that funds were misappropriated through inflated procurement costs, fraudulent contract awards, and kickbacks to contractors. Investigations revealed significant irregularities in the awarding of contracts and management of funds, leading to public outrage over the handling of public resources meant for critical infrastructure development.

Amount: Billions of shillings  

People Involved: Government officials, politicians, and BBI proponents.  

Details: 

The funding of the BBI was questioned as it involved huge sums of money that were not budgeted for, leading to suspicions that public funds were misappropriated for political purposes. 

Amount: Billions of shillings 

People Involved: NMS officials, contractors, and suppliers. 

Details: 

Allegations of inflated contracts, shoddy work, and mismanagement of public funds allocated for the rehabilitation of Nairobi's infrastructure and services. The scandal raised questions about the transparency and accountability of NMS operations. 

Amount: Ksh 9.6 billion ($96 million) 

People Involved: Fred Matiang’i (then Interior Cabinet Secretary), ICT Ministry officials, contractors. 

Details: 

The Huduma Namba project aimed to create a national digital registry but was marred by allegations of inflated procurement costs and tendering irregularities. The project’s implementation was questioned, and its effectiveness remains in doubt.

Amount: Ksh 9.6 billion
People Involved: Moses Kuria, various government officials, oil importers, local manufacturers, and distributors.

Details:
The edible oil scandal involved the misappropriation of funds amounting to Ksh 9.6 billion (around $96 million) meant for the importation and distribution of edible oils in Kenya. The scandal highlighted significant corruption and collusion among government officials, oil importers, local manufacturers, and distributors, leading to inflated prices and a severe shortage of edible oils in the market. Despite the funds allocated to ensure a steady supply of affordable edible oils, the money was allegedly siphoned off through fake companies, over-invoicing, and kickbacks. This scandal directly impacted the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans.

Amount: Ksh 3.7 billion

People Involved: Mithika Linturi (then Agriculture Cabinet Secretary), various government officials, fertilizer suppliers, and local distributors.

Details:

The fertilizer scandal involved the misappropriation of funds amounting to Ksh 3.7 billion (approximately $33 million) allocated for the procurement and distribution of subsidized fertilizers to Kenyan farmers. The scandal highlighted significant corruption and collusion among top government officials, fertilizer suppliers, and local distributors. Funds meant to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity were allegedly embezzled through fraudulent procurement processes, overpricing, and the involvement of ghost companies. As a result, many farmers were deprived of much-needed fertilizer subsidies, leading to increased production costs and decreased crop yields. 

Amount: Ksh 2.3 billion (approximately $15.3 million)

People Involved: Kipchumba Murkomen, KAA officials, Ministry of Transport staff, Adani Airports.

Details: 

Allegations of misappropriation of funds allocated for constructing a new runway at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport surfaced, involving irregularities in the tendering process and misuse of public funds. This led to demands for thorough investigations into the project.