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{
    "id": 1560454,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1560454/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 405,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Nominated, ODM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Irene Mayaka",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "infants and children – except citizens of the East African Community (EAC) – intending to travel to the Republic of Kenya, are required to have an approved eTA before the start of their journeys. The Cabinet approved the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a unified structure of Government bank accounts for consolidating Government cash resources into a single account or a set of linked accounts domiciled at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). There have been allegations that billions of shillings collected through the eTA system were deposited in private foreign bank accounts in Switzerland. On 14th April 2025, the Government Spokesperson confirmed that a Swiss company involved in the early rollout of the eTA system received the funds. This arrangement contravenes Article 206(1) of the Constitution. The Article establishes the Consolidated Fund to which all monies raised or received by the national Government must be paid, unless an Act of Parliament excludes, or a state organ lawfully retains money to cover its expenses. In addition, Section 28(1), and Section 28(6) of the Public Finance Management Act (CAP 412A) mandate that only the National Treasury can authorise the opening of bank accounts for national and county government entities, which must maintain complete and current records of all such accounts. It is against this background that I request a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on the following: 1. The circumstances that led to the funds collected through the eTA system being deposited in foreign bank accounts instead of the TSA through the eCitizen system. 2. A report on the particulars of the foreign bank accounts holding fees collected under the eTA platform, and if there were any relevant approvals by the National Treasury authorising the opening and maintenance of the same. 3. The quantum of funds held in these bank accounts, the corresponding period the funds have been held, and the settlement dates since the inception of the implementation of eTA system. 4. Details on the settlement framework entered into by the Government and the foreign Swiss company for funds collected through the eTA system. Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
}