An Anti-Corruption Court has sentenced 10 individuals and companies implicated in a fraudulent procurement scheme involving the Kilifi County Government, imposing a combined fine of more than Sh198 million or a total of 75 years in prison.
The convictions stem from a major corruption case involving the irregular payment of Sh52 million by the county government for goods and services that investigators established were never delivered.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons operated through a network of private firms and proxy individuals that acted as ghost suppliers. The court heard that the companies received millions of shillings from public coffers for fictitious transactions, effectively defrauding taxpayers through what prosecutors described as "air supply" contracts.
During the trial, investigators presented evidence showing that procurement procedures were manipulated to facilitate payments to the firms despite the absence of any legitimate deliveries. The scheme allegedly enabled the suspects to siphon public funds earmarked for county operations and development projects.
In its judgment delivered in June 2026, the court found the 10 individuals and entities guilty on various corruption-related charges. The convicted parties were ordered to pay cumulative fines exceeding Sh198 million. Failure to settle the penalties will result in prison terms totaling 75 years, with some sentences set to run consecutively.
The ruling marks one of the most significant anti-corruption convictions involving county government procurement in recent years and underscores ongoing efforts by investigative and prosecutorial agencies to recover public funds lost through fraudulent schemes.
Anti-graft agencies welcomed the decision, saying it sends a strong message that individuals and companies involved in the misuse of public resources will be held accountable regardless of their position or influence.
The case also highlights persistent concerns over procurement irregularities within devolved units, where weak oversight and fraudulent contracting practices have frequently been cited as major avenues for the loss of public funds.
With the convictions now secured, attention is expected to shift to the recovery of stolen assets and the strengthening of accountability mechanisms aimed at preventing similar fraud schemes in county governments across the country.
source attributed: The Standard