Govt Clarifies Diverting Ksh6.5 Billion of Public Money From eTA to a Swiss Account

Govt Clarifies Diverting Ksh6.5 Billion of Public Money From eTA to a Swiss Account

Nation in Shock Over Billions Allegedly Moved Abroad
Kenyans woke up Monday morning to a wave of confusion and outrage. A report by the Daily Nation claimed that Ksh6.5 billion from the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system had been diverted to a Swiss bank account. The news instantly stirred memories of the infamous Eurobond scandal.

Government Responds Swiftly
However, the government acted fast. On April 14, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura clarified the situation, saying,

“There was a piloting phase for the ETA programme, which was a collaboration between the Kenyan government and a Swiss company.”

Mwaura stressed that the arrangement was temporary. According to him, the Swiss account only handled funds during the trial phase.

Why the Swiss Connection?
The Daily Nation report alleged that the Swiss firm managed the eTA system from August 2024 to February 2025. During that period, it collected Ksh6.5 billion. Out of this, the firm earned Ksh1.5 billion for its services—roughly 23 percent of total collections.

While the government admitted the Swiss firm’s involvement, the report questioned the legality of allowing a foreign firm to hold public funds, especially outside Kenya’s Consolidated Fund.

Now All Funds Go to eCitizen
Mwaura moved quickly to assure the public that the pilot phase had ended.

“The piloting has been completed, and all payments are now made through eCitizen and remitted to the Consolidated Fund,” he confirmed.

This statement was meant to reassure the nation that government revenues are now being collected transparently and within legal frameworks.

Past Allegations Add to Distrust
The timing couldn’t be worse. Former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi recently alleged that President William Ruto pressured him to approve a Ksh130 billion foreign grant outside the law. He claimed he declined because it would have violated the Public Finance Management Act.

These explosive revelations, combined with the latest report, have only deepened public mistrust in government financial dealings.

Constitutional Questions Raised
The Constitution is clear. Article 206(1) states:

“There is established a Consolidated Fund into which shall be paid all money raised or received by or on behalf of the national government.”

This means any funds not remitted there—unless legally exempted—could breach the law.

What Kenyans Want Now
Kenyans are demanding full transparency. Many feel betrayed. They want detailed audits and accountability. With economic hardship tightening its grip, every shilling matters. Citizens are watching closely, demanding more than statements—they want truth, clarity, and justice.

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Govt Clarifies Diverting Ksh6.5 Billion of Public Money From eTA to a Swiss Account