File image of eCitizen founder, James Ayugi
Webmasters Kenya Ltd and its director, James Ayugi, have been barred from taking part in World Bank-financed projects for at least five years following findings of fraudulent and obstructive conduct.
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The sanctions were imposed under Sanctions Board Decision No. 147 in Sanctions Case No. 790, issued on June 8, 2026.
According to the World Bank, the case arose from the alleged misrepresentation of the availability of two key experts for a contract financed through a World Bank Group project.
The World Bank said the respondents knowingly presented the two experts as available and used their CVs without authorisation. The individuals were named in the company’s technical proposal and contract, while Webmasters Kenya Ltd and Ayugi also confirmed during contract negotiations that they would be available to work on the assignment.
The Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) said the misrepresentation was designed to deceive the project implementation unit and the World Bank, allowing the respondents to improperly obtain a financial benefit of US$98,000—the amount set aside in the contract to pay the two staff members.
The World Bank further determined that the respondents obstructed its inspection and audit rights by failing to provide meaningful responses to documentary requests issued during an audit.
The debarment is subject to conditional release. Webmasters Kenya Ltd and Ayugi may therefore be considered for release only after serving the minimum five-year period and demonstrating compliance with the conditions outlined in the Sanctions Board’s decision.
The World Bank classified the conduct as fraudulent and obstructive practices under its January 2011 Guidelines on the Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank borrowers.
Webmasters Kenya Ltd is linked to the development and operation of Kenya’s eCitizen digital services platform.
The decision relates to conduct connected to a World Bank-financed project in Somalia.
