A serious corruption scandal has come to light involving the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and Bomas of Kenya.
Senior officials are accused of turning these respected cultural institutions into personal money-making machines, leading to significant financial problems and widespread mismanagement.
The consequences of these actions are being felt by employees and the wider cultural sector in Kenya.
The accusations against senior officials are severe.
Sources within the NMK have raised concerns about the misuse of funds meant for staff healthcare benefits.
It is reported that despite paying a large sum of Ksh 37 million to CIC Insurance for both inpatient and outpatient medical services, staff members are only receiving outpatient coverage.
The management has allegedly informed employees that they are only entitled to outpatient services, leaving many wondering where the funds allocated for inpatient care have gone.
This situation has left staff feeling cheated and concerned about their health and well-being.
The scandal is part of a larger scheme, allegedly led by Heritage Principal Secretary (PS) Ummi Bashir. PS Bashir is accused of using her position to turn the NMK and Bomas of Kenya into “cash cows” for personal gain.
According to multiple sources, she has been embezzling funds from various government sources, including the Tourism Promotion Fund, Sports and Social Development Fund, and the National Treasury.
These allegations paint a picture of a deeply corrupt system where public funds are being redirected for personal enrichment instead of supporting cultural and creative industries.
Insiders claim that PS Bashir has been using harassment and intimidation to ensure compliance from State Department officials.
She is reportedly leveraging her close relationship with the Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, to threaten those who dare to challenge her actions.
This culture of fear has allowed her to operate with impunity, leading to widespread corruption and mismanagement within the institutions under her control.
The misuse of funds is reportedly having a direct impact on the implementation of policies meant to support the cultural and creative industries.
Many in the sector are feeling the effects of delayed or nonexistent funding, which is hampering the development of Kenya’s cultural heritage.
Specific allegations include the misappropriation of Ksh 55 million from the Tourism Promotion Fund during the International Kiswahili Day Celebration and Conference in July 2024.
These funds were allegedly transferred to Bomas of Kenya, where fictitious procurement for the accommodation of delegates was arranged.
In another instance, Ksh 10 million intended for the Mombasa and Rusinga Cultural Festivals in June 2024 is said to have been siphoned off through similar fraudulent activities.
These allegations suggest a pattern of systematic corruption, where funds meant for public projects are being redirected into the pockets of a few powerful individuals.
The accusations also extend to the improper awarding of tenders.
Reports suggest that PS Bashir and her associates manipulate the tender processes to favor specific suppliers.
This includes directing tenders worth Ksh 3 million and below to particular companies, bypassing the legal requirements for open tendering.
Such practices undermine the fairness and transparency of public procurement and raise serious concerns about the integrity of government operations.
Further allegations implicate PS Bashir in the coercion of officers within the NMK and Bomas of Kenya to redirect funds meant for public projects into her personal accounts.
One such scheme reportedly involved the misallocation of Ksh 35 million during the Culture Day celebrations in October 2023, where substantial portions of the funds were funneled directly to the PS and her close associates.
These revelations have sparked outrage and calls for an independent investigation into the operations of the State Department for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage.
Stakeholders are demanding accountability for the alleged misuse of public funds and are calling for swift action to restore integrity and trust in these important cultural institutions.
The situation at the NMK and Bomas of Kenya is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the devastating impact of corruption on public institutions.
It is now up to the relevant authorities to take action and ensure that those responsible for these alleged crimes are held accountable.
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