Corruption investigations in Kenya

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested nine suspects regarding an alleged Ksh1.57 billion fraud involving the Rural Outreach of Financial Innovations and Technologies (PROFIT) Programme. This National Treasury initiative, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aimed to provide affordable financing to small-scale farmers between 2013 and 2024.

Investigations indicate that funds were fraudulently disbursed from the National Treasury Development Account to 23 private entities using forged documents and an unauthorized Kenya Commercial Bank account. The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved the prosecution of 20 public officials and company directors for charges including money laundering and abuse of office. Among those arrested is programme coordinator John Nguge Kabutha.

Additionally, the EACC has identified governance weaknesses within Kenya’s co-operative sector, noting oversight loopholes in agencies such as the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) and New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Limited.