Ksh 1 Billion Vanishes: Kenyan Water Ministry Scandal Rocks Nation

Kenyan Ministry of Water embroiled in Ksh. 1 Billion Scandal A major corruption scandal has rocked Kenya's Ministry of Water, with allegations of over Ksh. 1 billion in misappropriated funds. Citizen TV Kenya's report reveals a pattern of payments made to non-existent landowners and contractors who left projects incomplete. The scandal came to light during a recent parliamentary hearing where ministry officials faced intense questioning from MPs. "The ministry could not defend how billions of shillings were sunk into the purchase of land without title deeds or sale agreements," stated one MP during the hearing. The report cites several examples, including Ksh. 177 million paid for an unspecified number of boreholes whose locations remain unknown, and Ksh. 19.6 million and Ksh. 176 million paid to stalled irrigation projects in Murang'a and Kenyanyaini respectively. Additionally, Ksh. 27 million was paid for stalled ablution blocks in Mtwapa and Mariakani, and Ksh. 39.9 million was overpaid to a contractor in the Oloipito irrigation scheme. The report also highlights Ksh. 14 million paid for land without ownership documents for a water project in Kilgoris. The parliamentary committee is demanding answers and a full accounting of the funds. The scandal underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public resources in Kenya.