Govt Speaks On Banking Ksh6.5 Billion Public Money Into Swiss Accounts
According to the exposé, Ksh6.5 billion generated through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system was suspiciously redirected to a Swiss account
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The government has had to issue a statement in response to a shocking Daily Nation report published on Monday, April 14, which claimed that billions of shillings collected from foreign travellers entering Kenya were improperly funneled into Swiss bank accounts.
According to the exposé, Ksh6.5 billion generated through the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system was suspiciously redirected to a Swiss account — a move the publication likened to the controversial 2014 Eurobond scandal.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 14, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura explained that the transactions involving the Swiss account were part of a pilot phase of the eTA programme, aimed at strengthening the government’s strategic collaboration with the Swiss firm involved.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura during a past address. /FILE
"There was a pilot phase for the eTA program, which was a collaboration between the Kenyan Government and a Swiss company," read the statement in part.
The report revealed that the government had contracted a Swiss firm to run the eTA system for a six-month period, during which it reportedly collected Ksh6.5 billion between August 2024 and February 2025. Out of that amount, the firm is said to have earned Ksh1.5 billion—around 23 percent of the total revenue—for its services.
It also questioned the government's decision to let a foreign company handle and retain public funds, especially outside the Consolidated Fund mandated by Kenyan law.
In response, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasized that this arrangement was only part of a now-concluded pilot phase of the programme. He added, "The piloting has been completed, and all payments are now made through eCitizen and remitted to the Consolidated Fund."
The clarification was issued against a backdrop of growing public concern over Kenya’s financial dealings with Switzerland, fueled by bombshell claims from former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi. Muturi alleged that President William Ruto had attempted to pressure him into approving a Ksh130 billion grant from foreign donors—an action he said would have violated the Public Finance Management Act, prompting him to reject the request.
The Daily Nation report also flagged a broader issue: government funds being held outside the Consolidated Fund, which goes against constitutional and financial oversight laws meant to uphold transparency and accountability.
Per Article 206(1) of the constitution, "There is established a Consolidated Fund into which shall be paid all money raised or received by or on behalf of the national government," except in special circumstances.
The eTA system was launched following President William Ruto’s announcement of a visa-free entry policy. Since then, the programme has generated billions in revenue from incoming tourists visiting Kenya.
“As of February 25, 2025, the total number of ETAs applied was 1,596,799, generating $50,568,810 (Ksh6.5 billion), out of which the service provider is entitled to $12,255,013.50 (Ksh1.5 billion)," Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen told Parliament.
