3In what has left majority of Kenyans’ mouths wide open, Blogger Francis Gaitho has revealed a staggering tax scandal involving Blue Nile Rolling Mills, a major player in Kenya’s steel industry.
The scandal, which has sent shockwaves through the country, centres on the company receiving a massive KSh 140 billion in tax exemptions under dubious circumstances.
According to Gaitho’s exposé, Blue Nile Rolling Mills, led by CEO Kotni Rao, exploited fraudulent practices to secure these exemptions.
Former National Treasury CS Ukur Yatani. Photo: The Star Source: Facebook
According to Francis Gaitho, the company allegedly submitted falsified documents through the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank Kenya, falsely claiming expanded production capabilities, a larger workforce, and increased export volumes. This deceitful act enabled them to avoid substantial tax liabilities that should have been paid.
The financial impact of this scandal is profound. The KSh 140 billion in lost revenue is equivalent to upgrading the Rironi-Mau Summit road into a superhighway or constructing ten new referral hospitals across the nation. Such investments could have significantly improved Kenya’s infrastructure and healthcare system, benefiting countless citizens.
The scandal implicates several high-profile former officials: Peter Munya, the former Agriculture CS; Betty Maina, the former Trade and Investment CS; and former National Treasury CSs Henry Rotich and Ukur Yatani. Their involvement—whether through negligence or active facilitation—has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
Former CS for Agriculture Hon. Peter Munya. Photo: Peter Munya Source: Facebook
As the investigation unfolds, the need for reform in Kenya’s tax and financial systems has never been clearer. The public demands justice and transparency, seeking to hold accountable those who have misused their positions for personal gain.
All the same, the Blue Nile Tax Scandal not only highlights the vulnerabilities in Kenya’s financial oversight but also reinforces the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent such massive frauds in the future.
