A new report has revealed that Sh6.5 billion earned from Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system last year was sent to Swiss bank accounts instead of going into the country’s national budget-consolidated accounts.
Sh6.5 billion from last year’s e-visa system, introduced by President William Ruto’s government, was channelled to Swiss accounts instead of Kenya’s Consolidated Fund.
The details emerged after a fallout between the government and the firm Travizory Border Security SA, which was awarded the deal.
This raises serious concerns about honesty and responsibility in President William Ruto’s government.
The eTA system began in January 2024 to replace regular visas and make Kenya a visa-free destination. It was meant to make tourism easier and increase revenue.
However, the report claims that instead of the money going to Kenya’s national treasury as it should have, it was sent to accounts linked to a Swiss company called Travizory Border Security SA, which was hired to manage the eTA system.
This information came to light after issues arose between the Kenyan government and Travizory, which received a big contract for eTravel Authorisation Services as part of a public-private partnership.
Sources say that the disagreement was about payment terms and how the system worked, which led to questions about the company’s financial activities.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had previously told parliament that Travizory was paid Sh1.5 billion for its services, with the company receiving $8.5 for each $30 eTA and $15 for each $160 multiple-entry eTA.
This news has made many Kenyans angry, with many on social media comparing it to past financial scandals, like the Eurobond issue.
“Billions meant for Kenya’s development are disappearing into offshore accounts again,” one person posted on social media, showing public frustration.
The report estimates that the eTA system, which helped increase tourist arrivals by 15% in 2024, generated Sh6.5 billion in total.
Kenya’s tourism sector welcomed 2.4 million visitors last year, bringing in Sh452.2 billion in revenue, according to the Kenya Tourism Board.
The fact that such a large amount of money was diverted has raised worries about how the government is managing its digital projects.
Opposition leaders have called for an investigation into the deal, wanting to know how the contract was awarded and why the funds did not go to the national budget.
“This is a betrayal of public trust,” said a well-known lawmaker who asked to remain anonymous. “Kenyans deserve answers.”
