Treasury Wars: How a Replacement for Crucial Docket Exposed Alleged Fishy Dealings in Kiptoo’s Office

While senior public offices often attract scrutiny, it is unusual for a state officer to be accused of paying hundreds of millions in bribes for a position.

Such is the case with the Director General of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the National Treasury and Economic Planning office—a role now under intense scrutiny amid allegations implicating Permanent Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo in a bribery scandal.

The position is so lucrative that a senior Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) official, Kefa Seda, is alleged to have paid a KSh200 million bribe to secure it.

What Makes the PPP Office So Contentious?

According to the official government portal, the PPP Directorate supports Kenyan government agencies in executing Public-Private Partnership projects by providing technical, legal, and financial advisory services. It guides contracting authorities through project identification, appraisal, procurement, negotiation, and implementation—all under the framework of the PPP Act 2021.

A Vacancy Sparking Suspicion

Sources tell Kenya Insights that the position became vacant after Ambassador Chris Kirigua—a finance sector veteran with two decades of experience—was abruptly ousted. Many believe his removal was orchestrated to auction the role to the highest bidder.

Kirigua reportedly declined a compensatory foreign mission posting.

In the ensuing scramble, Kefa Seda, who currently oversees PPP operations at KeNHA, emerged as a frontrunner—but with troubling allegations in tow.

The Allegations: Bribes and Backroom Deals

Chris Kiptoo.

It is alleged that Seda offered significant financial inducements to Dr. Chris Kiptoo, the Principal Secretary of the National Treasury, to influence the appointment process.

The transaction reportedly took place in Eldoret.

Beyond this, both Seda and Kiptoo stand accused of accepting payments from foreign investors—primarily from China, Turkey, and Gulf states—to sway the privatization of state-owned enterprises.

Strong-Arm Tactics

The scandal has drawn further outrage over claims that those involved have bullied and undermined the Treasury Cabinet Secretary and other key officials. Whispers from the country’s financial center claiming that the PS has been bragging that he has the president’s ear hence he has the last say on who gets the job.

Additionally, Seda is accused of:

– Blocking a French company’s interests at the Mau Summit after receiving financial incentives.

– Manipulating judicial and investigative bodies to suppress opposition.

Legal Reckoning Ahead

The controversy has sparked plans for High Court petitions*l against Kiptoo and other implicated parties. An unnamed NGO is also expected to challenge the recruitment process, citing gross irregularities. Calls have also mounted for the EACC to initiate a direct probe into the bribery claims against the PS and Seda.

With pressure mounting, Kenyans await answers—and accountability—in a scandal that threatens to expose deeper rot in high places.