Fresh questions are emerging over governance and accountability within KEWOTA after revelations that Treasurer Jacinta Ndegwa is linked to multiple family members drawing salaries from the organization.
THE BREAKDOWN.
Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) is a government-recognised welfare body deducting Sh200/month from 95,000 teachers = Sh228M/year.
CEO Benta Oswago Opande reportedly earns Sh250,000–Sh350,000/month, with documents suggesting her actual earnings may be even higher.
Son (Dan Oswago) on payroll at Sh200,000/month; two daughters earning Sh150,000 and Sh200,000; former husband listed as consultant at Sh100,000; sister coordinating Kisumu office at Sh50,000; niece running Kisumu office at Sh40,000; brother as managing director at Sh40,000.
The network extends to associates and in-laws, with treasurer Jacinta Ndegwa’s relatives also drawing multiple salaries
Ndegwa’s reported salary alone is Sh270,000/month, with additional payments through multiple accounts
Fictitious membership recruitment drives allegedly used to generate and justify bank withdrawals
Cash payments reportedly made to a Nairobi official near KICC in a parking lot
TSC director allegedly received Sh100,000 in January 2024, suggesting possible regulatory capture
CEO declined to engage, citing constitutional right not to respond, and accused the source of blackmail
The concentration of close relatives within the organization’s staffing structure is now fueling concerns over conflict of interest, transparency, and adherence to public service ethics.
Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) is a government-recognised welfare body deducting Sh200/month from 95,000 teachers = Sh228M/year.
CEO Benta Oswago Opande reportedly earns Sh250,000–Sh350,000/month, with documents suggesting her actual earnings may be even higher.
Son (Dan Oswago) on payroll at Sh200,000/month; two daughters earning Sh150,000 and Sh200,000; former husband listed as consultant at Sh100,000; sister coordinating Kisumu office at Sh50,000; niece running Kisumu office at Sh40,000; brother as managing director at Sh40,000.
The network extends to associates and in-laws, with treasurer Jacinta Ndegwa’s relatives also drawing multiple salaries
Ndegwa’s reported salary alone is Sh270,000/month, with additional payments through multiple accounts
Fictitious membership recruitment drives allegedly used to generate and justify bank withdrawals
Cash payments reportedly made to a Nairobi official near KICC in a parking lot
TSC director allegedly received Sh100,000 in January 2024, suggesting possible regulatory capture
CEO declined to engage, citing constitutional right not to respond, and accused the source of blackmail
The concentration of close relatives within the organization’s staffing structure is now fueling concerns over conflict of interest, transparency, and adherence to public service ethics.
Critics argue that such arrangements risk undermining institutional integrity, with calls growing louder for greater accountability and possible investigations into hiring practices.
