A Nairobi-based community group has filed a detailed complaint alleging the existence of a visa corruption network within Kenya’s Immigration Department, claiming that brokers and officials are collecting inflated processing fees from applicants through non-official channels.
The Somali Community Task Group on Immigration Transparency says the alleged scheme involves officers, brokers, and intermediaries in Nairobi and Mombasa who facilitate visa processing for payments far above the official government rate. The group has sent the complaint to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Ministry of Interior, calling for immediate investigations.
Alleged Extortion and Parallel Processing Channels
According to the complaint, visa applicants—many of them Somali nationals, refugees, or business travelers—are reportedly being asked to pay between USD 175 and USD 200 per visa. The group alleges that only the official USD 34 is remitted to government accounts, while the balance is shared among brokers and insiders.
The complaint further identifies individuals it claims coordinate and distribute the proceeds. One such individual, alleged to be based in Mombasa, is accused of overseeing what the group describes as “parallel processing” networks that issue visas outside standard government systems.
CourtNews.co.ke has not independently verified these claims.
Complaint Sent to Top Security and Anti-Corruption Agencies
The task group’s petition, addressed to Immigration Director General Evelyne Cheluget, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security, the Director of Criminal Investigations, and the EACC, calls the alleged network a “criminal enterprise operating under official cover.”
In its complaint, the group claims that when members sought clarification from senior immigration officials, they were allegedly told that visa fees were being used to meet political fundraising “targets.” These claims remain unverified, and no evidence has yet been produced in court.
Officials Yet to Comment
When contacted by CourtNews.co.ke, the Immigration Department and the Office of the Director General had not responded to requests for comment on the allegations. Similarly, no response had been received from other agencies or individuals named in the complaint by the time of publication.
The complaint has since been acknowledged by community representatives, who say they will continue to push for transparency and accountability. “This is not about politics—it’s about protecting the integrity of Kenya’s immigration system,” a representative of the Somali Community Task Group said.
Experts Call for Independent Investigation
Legal analysts note that while the allegations remain unproven, the seriousness of the claims warrants a transparent, independent inquiry. They argue that any credible evidence of systemic corruption in visa processing would have significant implications for national security, border integrity, and Kenya’s international image.
Anti-corruption bodies are expected to review the complaint and determine whether a formal investigation will be opened.
A Call for Transparency
The Somali Community Task Group’s filing is one of the most detailed complaints yet regarding alleged irregularities at Nyayo House. It comes amid growing public concern about corruption in public service delivery and renewed government pledges to clean up critical institutions.
If confirmed, the alleged network could expose deep-seated weaknesses in Kenya’s immigration system. However, as of now, all claims remain under review, and none of the individuals or offices mentioned have been charged or found culpable.
CourtNews.co.ke will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as official responses and investigations emerge.
source:kenyainsights