Esther Ngari, the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS), has come under intense probe after she failed to appear before the National Assembly’s Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Committee.
She was scheduled to respond to a shocking Ksh 420 million scandal that has sparked widespread concern. The allegations were first made public by blogger Cyprian Is Nyakundi on X, and Ngari’s refusal to attend the hearing only added fuel to the fire. Although she confirmed availability for a later date, she once again failed to show up on Monday.
This angered committee members, who warned that they may involve law enforcement to compel her to appear.
Serious Allegations of Corruption and Forgery
The allegations facing Ngari and other senior KeBS officials are not only serious but also point to deep-rooted corruption. The parliamentary committee had planned to question her over claims of document forgery and misuse of public funds. Specific accusations include inflated travel claims, irregular tender approvals, and allowing unsafe goods into the market.
These are not minor administrative issues but potential criminal acts that reveal a complete breakdown of accountability within the agency.
Inflated Travel Claims Through Forged Documents
A key issue under investigation involves a memo titled Insurance Risk Assessment 2024, which was allegedly forged to increase travel claims from Ksh 626,800 to Ksh 1.96 million.
This was reportedly done even though no actual travel occurred. If proven, this would be a direct misuse of public funds through deliberate manipulation of official documents for personal gain.
Ghost Workers and Double Payments
Other disturbing allegations include the use of ghost workers to approve tenders and the double payment of legal fees. Additionally, there are claims that unqualified law firms were hired to handle KeBS matters.
These actions suggest a coordinated effort to siphon funds from the agency while ignoring legal and ethical standards. It also raises serious questions about oversight and internal controls within KeBS.
Compromised Product Safety and Public Risk
Adding to the controversy is the importation of rice from Pakistan between September and November 2024. The rice shipment was granted the Diamond Mark of Quality despite lacking proper lab tests and required certificates. This points to possible manipulation of safety standards, which puts the health and safety of Kenyan consumers at serious risk.
Expired Permits and Counterfeit Fertiliser
In March 2025, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority seized 233 bags of counterfeit planting fertiliser in Eldoret worth Ksh 2.3 million. Investigations showed that the fertiliser originated from firms operating under expired KeBS permits.
This further exposes serious regulatory failures and negligence under Ngari’s leadership.
Parliament’s Final Warning
Members of Parliament have now issued a clear warning. If Ngari continues to avoid appearing before the committee, legal measures will be taken to force her testimony. Her repeated failure to respond to these grave accusations has only worsened public mistrust in KeBS. Many now believe the agency, which is supposed to protect Kenyans, may be deeply compromised at the highest level.
Ngari’s repeated absence has led many to suspect that she may be deliberately avoiding accountability, possibly because the allegations hold truth.
Her reluctance to face the committee, despite multiple summons, now appears less like scheduling conflicts and more like a calculated move to dodge investigation raising the possibility that she has something to hide.
Add Comment