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TI-Kenya Launches Report Exposing Corruption Risks in Major Infrastructure Projects 

New “Corruption Risk Assessment of Infrastructure Projects in Kenya” report finds significant governance and corruption vulnerabilities in key infrastructure projects. 

22 June 2026, Nairobi, Kenya – Transparency International Kenya (TI-Kenya) today launched a new report titled “Corruption Risk Assessment of Infrastructure Projects in Kenya”, highlighting significant governance and corruption vulnerabilities in key infrastructure projects in Kenya, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Kiambu Civil Servants Housing Scheme, and the VihigaAffordable Housing Project. 

The report, developed using the Infrastructure Corruption Risk Assessment Tool (ICRAT), developed by Transparency International Australia, scored  

reveals varying levels of corruption risks across the projects, with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) flagged as high-risk, while the Kiambu and Vihiga housing projects exhibited moderate but concerning vulnerabilities. 
 

Key Findings from the Report 

  • On a scale of one (low corruption risk) to five (high corruption risk), the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) scored 4.49 out of 5, indicative of very high overall project vulnerabilities, particularly around the agency context 
  • The Kiambu Civil Servants Public Housing had an overall risk score of 3.24/5, indicating moderately high risk 
  • The Vihiga Affordable Housing Project scored 3.56/5, indicating moderately high risk 

The report further notes that infrastructure investments, while critical to economic development, present high corruption risks due to their scale, complexity, and financial stakes. 

“This report highlights critical governance gaps that continue to undermine the integrity of infrastructure development in Kenya. The high corruption risks identified in projects like the SGR underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and public participation to be embedded at every stage of infrastructure planning and implementation. Without urgent reforms, we risk losing billions of public resources while failing to deliver meaningful benefits to citizens,” said Sheila Masinde, Executive Director, TI-Kenya. 

SGR Highlight: High Corruption Risk 

The Standard Gauge Railway project emerged as the most vulnerable among the assessed projects, with limited transparency, weak oversight, and procurement opacity identified as key corruption risk drivers. 

Key Issues Identified in the SGR Project 

The report highlights several critical governance and corruption concerns in the SGR project: 

  • Limited transparency in project financing and contracting, restricting public access to key agreements and cost structures. 
  • Opaque procurement processes, raising concerns over value for money and fairness in contractor selection. 
  • Weak oversight and accountability mechanisms, limiting effective scrutiny during project planning and implementation. 
  • High exposure to vested interests, increasing the likelihood of undue influence in decision-making. 
  • Inadequate public participation, reducing citizen oversight in one of the country’s largest infrastructure investments. 

Boma Yangu / Affordable Housing Programme Highlight 

The report raises serious governance and integrity concerns within the Boma Yangu Affordable Housing Programme, particularly in projects such as the Vihiga Affordable Housing Project. 
 

Key issues identified include: 

  • Missing critical documentation, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), feasibility studies, and Bills of Quantities, raising concerns about project justification and cost transparency. 
  • Weak and delayed public participation, with evidence showing that community engagement often occurs after project commencement rather than at the design stage. 
  • Potential conflicts of interest in procurement, including concerns about restricted supply chains and vested interests influencing contractor decisions. 
  • Moderate but significant corruption risk rating, driven by transparency gaps, limited oversight, and unclear project selection processes. 

“Our findings show that weak documentation, limited oversight, and inadequate stakeholder engagement are not isolated issues; they are systemic challenges that must be addressed holistically. Strengthening institutional safeguards and ensuring access to information will be key to reducing corruption risks and delivering value for money in public infrastructure projects,” said Gibson Mwaita, Head of Programs, TI-Kenya. 

TI-Kenya is calling for the following commendations 

  • Enhancing transparency and open access to project information, including contracts, budgets, and feasibility studies. 
  • Strengthening public participation frameworks to ensure meaningful engagement from project inception. 
  • Enforcing strict procurement standards and competitive bidding processes. 
  • Instituting robust oversight and accountability mechanisms, including independent audits and parliamentary scrutiny. 
  • Addressing conflicts of interest through stronger disclosure and enforcement frameworks. 
  • Ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards, including mandatory impact assessments. 

Click here to download the report

Download the powerpoint presentation with key findings

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Gibson Mvoi Mwaita

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Gibson is a dynamic professional with a diverse range of skills in Project and Program Management, MEAL, stakeholders’ engagement & management, program financing, knowledge & talent management, team development, adaptive management, Agile methodologies, resilience programming, results-based management and resource mobilization. He has experience in implementing and managing different projects and programmes in Kenya, East Africa and Africa; funded by bilateral and multilateral donors.

In his new role, he shall be responsible for the leadership and day to day management and development of programmes towards achieving the TI-Kenya’s strategic plan.

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