The Jubilee government's initiative to build toilets in Kibera, a stronghold of Raila Odinga, aimed to undermine his political influence. This project, part of a broader slum upgrading program, exposed systemic corruption within state agencies like the National Youth Services (NYS). By 2015, the Devolution ministry faced allegations of overpaying for basic supplies, including condom dispensers and pens, highlighting a culture of mismanagement.
The Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) policy, launched in 2016, sought to empower youth and marginalized groups but became a vehicle for graft. A hairstylist, Josephine Kabura Irungu, allegedly received millions from NYS without delivering services, prompting the resignation of Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru. Similar scandals, such as the Afya House and Arror dams cases, further eroded public trust in governance.
Jubilee's economic strategy focused on large-scale infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). While the SGR aimed to boost trade and reduce road congestion, critics argued it failed to meet financial viability targets. A 2019 study found the railway more expensive than road transport due to port handling costs, and its projected economic benefits never materialized.
Populist measures, like the maize subsidy program, temporarily eased inflation but harmed local farmers by flooding the market with cheap imports. These policies, combined with a credit cap and drought, contributed to a 3.8% GDP growth in 2017—the lowest since 2013. Despite these challenges, Jubilee's Huduma Centres improved public service delivery, and investments in internet infrastructure positioned Kenya as an African tech hub.
Economic critics, including economist David Ndii, condemned public procurement as a "big casino," where opportunistic brokers exploited tender processes. While the government claimed to combat corruption, high-profile scandals and unmet development goals underscored persistent governance issues under Uhuru Kenyatta's leadership. The 2007 ICC case against Kenyatta and William Ruto, which accused them of crimes against humanity, further complicated their political and economic agenda.
