The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is at the center of a corruption scandal, with allegations that Director General Eliud Kiplimo has embezzled funds intended for staff annual salary increments and development projects.
Sources claim that the funds, allocated for employee benefits, were instead used for personal enrichment, including acquiring properties and vehicles.
Additionally, reports suggest that Kiplimo diverted part of the money to bribe President William Ruto in a bid to secure an ambassadorial position.
The allegations came to light through a detailed message from a whistleblower within KALRO, highlighting how employees have suffered due to the alleged misuse of funds.
“I just want to request you to investigate why the KALRO Director General is embezzling funds allocated for staff annual increments. He has promoted only a few senior employees while denying the majority their rightful benefits. This cartel is using the funds for personal gains, including bribing Ruto for an ambassadorial post,” the whistleblower’s message stated.
Promotions reportedly took place in April without any clear criteria, favoring a select few while excluding the majority of employees who have not received their annual salary increments since July.
The whistleblower also accused the Director General’s personal assistant, Carolyne Minayo, of being part of the alleged scheme. Minayo reportedly received three job group promotions despite lacking qualifications.
Other senior HR officials, including Benjamin Onyancha and Arnold Odanga, were also named in the alleged biased promotion exercise and embezzlement scheme.
“This cartel is buying plots and vehicles using money meant for employee salaries and increments, leaving staff to suffer,” the whistleblower added.
KALRO employees have called for an investigation into the matter, urging accountability for the misuse of funds.
