Kenya Insights has exposed a shocking bribery scandal at the National Treasury involving Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) official Kefa Seda. The report reveals that Seda allegedly paid a massive KSh 200 million bribe to secure the position of Director General of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
This position is so lucrative that it became the subject of intense corruption, backroom deals, and foreign interference, exposing the deep-rooted rot in government appointments.
According to Kenya Insights, the PPP office plays a crucial role in managing projects between the government and private investors. It provides financial, legal, and technical guidance on major projects under the PPP Act 2021.
The vacancy arose after the abrupt removal of Ambassador Chris Kirigua, a veteran in the finance sector with two decades of experience. Many believe he was pushed out to create room for the highest bidder, and he reportedly refused a consolation posting to a foreign mission.
In the rush to take over, Kefa Seda emerged as the frontrunner, but with serious bribery allegations. Kenya Insights reports that Seda offered the KSh 200 million bribe directly to Kiptoo to manipulate the appointment process.
The deal is said to have been sealed in Eldoret, raising questions about how far corruption has infiltrated government offices. Beyond the bribe, both Seda and Kiptoo are accused of receiving payments from foreign investors, particularly from China, Turkey, and Gulf states, to influence the privatization of state-owned enterprises.
This raises concerns about national assets being sold off under questionable circumstances. The scandal does not stop at bribery. Kenya Insights reveals that the individuals involved have been intimidating and undermining other top government officials, including the Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
There are claims that Kiptoo has been boasting about having the president’s direct support, which allegedly gives him the power to decide who gets top government jobs.
This suggests a level of impunity that has made corruption flourish within the Treasury. Kenya Insights also highlights how Seda has been using his influence to block foreign companies from participating in key projects.
A notable case involves a French company interested in the Mau Summit project, which was allegedly sidelined after financial inducements were given to favor other investors. This kind of manipulation undermines fair competition and raises questions about how public resources are allocated.
Additionally, there are accusations that Seda has been using his connections to interfere with judicial and investigative bodies, preventing accountability.
The exposure of these alleged corrupt dealings has triggered legal action. Kenya Insights reports that a petition is set to be filed in the High Court to challenge the recruitment process and expose the irregularities surrounding Seda’s appointment.
An NGO is also expected to take legal steps to stop the process, while there are growing calls for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to launch an official investigation into Kiptoo and Seda’s actions.
This scandal is just another example of how deep corruption runs in Kenya’s public sector. The fact that individuals are willing to pay hundreds of millions for government positions shows that these offices are being turned into money-making schemes instead of serving the public.
Kenya Insights has pulled back the curtain on a web of bribery, intimidation, and foreign interference that needs urgent attention. If no action is taken, it will only confirm what many Kenyans already suspect that corruption is not just tolerated but openly embraced in the highest offices.
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