James Ayugi on the spot after World Bank bans eCitizen firm Webmasters Kenya for five years

The World Bank has imposed sanctions on Webmasters Kenya Ltd and its director, James Ayugi, barring them from participating in World Bank-financed projects for at least five years. The sanctions, issued through Sanctions Board Decision No. 147 in Sanctions Case No. 790 on June 8, 2026, stem from allegations of fraudulent and obstructive practices.

Webmasters Kenya Ltd, which develops and operates Kenya's eCitizen digital services platform, is central to the country's revenue collection. The sanctions pertain to actions related to a World Bank-funded project in Somalia. According to the World Bank, Webmasters Kenya Ltd and Ayugi falsely stated the availability of two crucial experts for a contract under the World Bank Group-financed project.

They allegedly misused the CVs of these staff members without authorization and claimed their availability during contract negotiations. This deception aimed to deceive the project implementation unit and the World Bank to secure a financial gain of US$98,000, representing the remuneration for the two staff members under the contract.

The Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) also noted that the respondents obstructed the World Bank's inspection and audit rights by not complying with documentary requests made during an audit. The sanctions are subject to conditional release, allowing the firm and Ayugi to be debarred after the five-year period if they prove compliance with conditions set by the Sanctions Board.

The conduct is classified as fraudulent and obstructive practices under the World Bank's January 2011 Guidelines on the Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank borrowers. The firm and its director have not yet commented on these developments.