The Kenyan government is facing growing scrutiny following revelations that Sh6.5 billion collected through the country’s e-visa system was held in a Swiss bank account, bypassing the Constitutionally mandated Consolidated Fund.
Between August 2024 and February 2025, Swiss firm Travizory Border Security SA managed Kenya’s e-visa platform, collecting visa fees from travelers.
Of the total revenue, Sh1.5 billion was retained as service fees, with the rest reportedly remaining in a Swiss account—raising concerns over transparency and accountability.
The controversy has drawn comparisons to the 2014 Eurobond scandal, where billions were traced to offshore accounts under opaque circumstances, and a significant amount never reached the Kenyan Treasury.
Adding to the storm, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi accused President William Ruto of attempting to sidestep oversight in a separate deal involving a Sh130 billion environment grant.
Muturi claimed he was pressured to approve the transaction outside Treasury protocols—a move he rejected, citing legal breaches under the Public Finance Management Act.
In response to public backlash, the government has since terminated the Travizory contract and redirected all e-visa revenues through the e-Citizen platform, assuring that funds now go directly to the Consolidated Fund.
However, critics argue that the initial bypass reflects a wider pattern of financial mismanagement, prompting renewed calls for audits, parliamentary oversight, and stricter enforcement of fiscal laws.
The Constitution requires all government revenues and grants to be deposited into the Consolidated Fund, with any withdrawals subject to layered approvals—measures meant to safeguard public finances.
The unfolding saga has reignited debate over the state’s commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability.
