A civil society group has accused the government of systematic secrecy, mismanagement of public resources, and repeated violations of the Constitution, warning that continued disregard for transparency and public participation could plunge the country into another major economic and governance crisis.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, the group criticised a series of government-backed development initiatives, arguing that many have resulted in ballooning public debt with little tangible benefit to ordinary Kenyans. The group claims that billions of shillings allocated to flagship projects have instead been lost through corruption, inflated contracts, and politically connected interests.
The statement revisited several high-profile initiatives, including the laptop programme for schoolchildren, large-scale dam projects, stadium construction, and the affordable housing programme. According to the group, despite heavy public investment—running into hundreds of billions of shillings—many of these projects have failed to deliver on their stated objectives, with some allegedly existing only on paper.
The group also raised concerns over the e-Citizen digital platform, which was introduced to streamline government services and revenue collection. It claimed the system is now allegedly being “looted at source,” warning that no individual has been held accountable despite reports of financial irregularities. The situation, it said, has contributed to funding challenges in key public institutions, including Kenyatta National Hospital.
Particular alarm was expressed over the Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). The group argued that SHA has failed to address long-standing governance failures in the health sector, citing persistent opacity and alleged mismanagement similar to that seen at NHIF and the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).
The statement further criticised a recently signed healthcare funding agreement between the Government of Kenya and the United States, claiming it was concluded without public participation or parliamentary oversight. The group alleged that the agreement compromises Kenya’s regulatory authority over the testing and certification of healthcare products imported from the US, calling it a serious threat to public health and national sovereignty.
Beyond healthcare, the group accused the government of facilitating the quiet transfer of public land, natural resources, and wildlife assets into private hands, often in ways that disadvantage local citizens. It cited approvals by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for developments that allegedly block critical wildlife migratory corridors, including those used by wildebeest. The group warned it would seek court action to challenge these approvals and question the suitability of officials involved.
The statement also took issue with proposals to sell public assets and channel the proceeds into a quasi-private infrastructure development fund. The group described the plan as unconstitutional, warning potential buyers that the enabling law is under court challenge and that any transactions could be nullified.
Drawing parallels with the Goldenberg scandal of the 1990s, the group cautioned against what it termed a “Ponzi-style” scheme designed to finance political interests ahead of elections. It accused both government and opposition politicians of failing to hold the Executive accountable for alleged losses of public funds.
The group called on Kenyans to reject divisive politics and the use of illicit funds to influence voters, urging citizens to demand leadership that prioritises healthcare, education, agriculture, and constitutional governance. It concluded by warning that political leaders who have enabled or presided over alleged plunder of public resources would be held accountable at the ballot.
The statement was signed by Sebastian Onyango, Chairman; Janet Suton, Secretary; and Rose Nyarkasingiri, Organising Secretary.