Why I Stopped Working With Government Institutions – Corruption & Inefficiency

I’ve been approached multiple times to design websites, manage digital platforms, and offer training to government institutions.

I always say no.

And here’s why:

The Problem Isn’t Lack of Funds—It’s How the Money Is Handled

Government institutions aren’t broke. The real issue is that too many people treat public funds like a personal ATM.

A simple website—the kind any functional organization can get for KES 350,000—somehow balloons to KES 2.5 million.

Why?

• The CEO wants a cut.
• The accountant needs his share.
• The procurement officer demands “appreciation.”
• The board members expect sitting allowances.
• The finance officer won’t process your invoice without a KES 50,000 “facilitation fee.”
• And, of course, KRA is waiting for their piece too.

The Bait-and-Delay Game

You submit a proposal. You present. You wait.

Three months pass. No feedback.

Then, out of nowhere: “We have another contract for you.”

It’s not an opportunity—it’s bait. A delay tactic. A way to keep you hooked while they figure out how much they can squeeze out of the deal.

The Shocking Reality of Bribes

Once, I was asked for a KES 250,000 bribe…

For a KES 60,000/month website management contract.

Let that sink in.

They wanted me to pay four times my monthly earnings just to secure an eight-month deal.

The Never-Ending Circus

• You schedule a site visit—no one shows up.
• You follow up—“The boss travelled.”
• You finally deliver—and now they’re asking you to type letters for them too.

This isn’t work. It’s a circus.

Why This System is Killing Our Future

This culture isn’t just frustrating—it’s destructive.

• It rewards gatekeepers, not producers.
• It breeds corruption instead of innovation.
• It delays service delivery and chokes opportunities.

You cannot build a functioning country when every invoice must come with “something small.”

You cannot digitize a nation when every project must first feed ten people before it goes live.

You cannot expect change when the rot is now routine.

We Need a Reset

This system needs:

• A reform – Transparent procurement processes.
• A purge – Accountability for those stealing public funds.
• A culture shift – Reward skill, not connections.

Until then, I’ll continue to decline those calls.

Because clean work deserves clean systems.

And some of us would rather stay broke than be bought by filth.

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What’s your experience working with government institutions? Share your thoughts below.