The Senate has commenced its investigation into Kilifi County’s 2022/2023 financial audit, focusing on massive irregularities under Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s leadership.
The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, led by Senator Godfrey Osotsi, is spearheading this review as part of a broader effort to strengthen accountability in county governance.
Governor Mung’aro, who was previously called to account for discrepancies in financial management, particularly in health services and municipal operations, has been given more time to provide detailed responses.
One of the major issues highlighted in the Auditor General’s report is the mishandling of Ksh 214 million allocated for emergency relief. Concerns were raised over the lack of transparency in how relief supplies, including dry maize and beans, were received, stored, and distributed.
Other troubling findings include Ksh 12.4 million unaccounted for in a cash transfer program and Ksh 17.3 million misused on the purchase of boats, pointing to serious governance failures.
The county’s payroll system is also under scrutiny, with allegations that salary payments were made outside the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD), a violation of financial regulations.
This raises suspicions of possible ghost workers and further undermines confidence in the county’s financial management.
Irregularities in tendering processes have also come to light. A Ksh 103 million tender for a revenue collection system was suspended by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) due to suspected procurement fraud.
Tenders for garbage collection and road construction were reportedly awarded to favored companies under questionable circumstances, with inflated costs and poor oversight.
The absence of key documents such as needs assessments, tax compliance certificates, and evidence of public participation only deepens concerns over due diligence.
Agricultural projects have been marred by allegations of corruption, including the purchase of low-quality seeds and uncertified stock.
The lack of planning, public consultation, and clear distribution systems has raised red flags about the improper use of public funds.
A number of Kilifi County Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have called for in-depth investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Asset Recovery Agency, particularly targeting individuals close to the governor who may be involved in these alleged schemes.
In response, the Senate has called for the implementation of regulations under the Facilities Improvement Financing Act by 2024/2025 to address these financial irregularities.
Governor Mung’aro is under increasing pressure to provide comprehensive answers, as failure to do so may lead to severe legal and financial consequences.
The ongoing investigation highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in Kilifi County, and indicates a broader push for good governance across Kenya’s devolved systems.
