This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
Sh138 Million e-Learning Scandal Rocks Kirinyaga County ¶
July 8, 2020
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is investigating the alleged theft of Sh138 million from a donor-funded e-learning project in Kirinyaga County, which has implicated Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri.
The project, Homeland Educational International, aimed to provide an e-learning solution for students in low-income areas. Donors across the world contributed Sh571 million to the initiative.
According to sources close to the investigation, part of the Sh138 million disbursement may have been diverted to offshore bank accounts owned and operated by two of Mr. Ndambiri's children.
Homeland Educational International is a subsidiary of DLAMS International, a non-governmental organization that helps schools and students in low-income areas to use technology in improving their academic programs.
DLAMS President Mwachodzi wa Mwachofi stated that 11 of his staff members were arrested on June 3 for allegedly running an unregistered company. The employees spent four days in Wang'uru Police Station and parted with Sh2.4 million in police bonds and bribes to secure their release.
Prof. Mwachofi said Mr. Ndambiri and his wife Catherine hosted him while he was implementing the project at Karoti Girls High School.
The Central Bank of Kenya has since frozen two of DLAMS International's bank accounts held at KCB Bank, which had a balance of $51.43 million (Sh5.4 billion) when the CBK froze them.
Mr. Ndambiri denied the allegations, stating that he reported the attempted theft of donor funds to the DCI offices in Mwea and that none of his children have offshore accounts as claimed.
