The U.S. has once again criticized Kenya over widespread corruption in public procurement, accusing officials of extorting American firms seeking government tenders.
In its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said corruption remains a major trade barrier. “Tenders are often not announced transparently, and contracts are awarded to firms linked to powerful individuals,” the report states.
Despite Kenya’s push to digitize procurement through IFMIS, the U.S. says the system is still vulnerable to manipulation, suffers from poor connectivity, and lacks proper enforcement.
The report also highlights delays at Kenyan ports due to inefficient customs procedures, as well as weak protection of intellectual property rights. The U.S. noted Kenya’s failure to ratify the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the continued sale of counterfeit goods.
The criticism comes days after Kenya launched a new e-Procurement system, backed by the IMF, aimed at curbing graft and streamlining procurement. However, the U.S. remains cautious, citing years of unmet reform promises.
