Senate uncovers financial mismanagement in Trans Nzoia County
By Valerian Khakayi, July 30, 2025The Senate has raised concerns over widespread financial mismanagement in Trans Nzoia County.
The Senate Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, during the session held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, revealed that senior county officials awarded themselves loans totalling Ksh 30.7 million from the Car Loan and Mortgage Fund without security, insurance, or proper documentation.
According to Senator Eddy Oketch, who chaired the session, the mismanagement of the funds is a betrayal of public trust, noting that many recipients have since left county service and are no longer repaying.
He added that ordinary residents are still struggling to access essential services like healthcare and water.
“This is a betrayal of public trust,” said Senator Eddy Oketch, who chaired the session. Millions have been issued to a few individuals, some of whom have left county service and are no longer repaying. Meanwhile, wananchi can’t get health services or water. This committee will not tolerate such recklessness,” Oketch stated.
Further scrutiny extended beyond the car loan scheme. Across nearly all special funds, including the Elimu Bursary, Climate Change, and Nawiri Funds, auditors flagged glaring inaccuracies, unsupported cash balances, and long-outstanding imprests.
Committee member Senator Raphael Chimera stated that while the accountants might be qualified, their competence was clearly lacking.
He emphasised that these accountants appeared to be the common denominator in every failed fund, that the same sloppiness was being repeated, and that they unequivocally must be held to account
“Qualified? Maybe. Competence? Clearly not,” charged Senator Raphael Chimera. “These accountants are the common thread in every failed fund. We are seeing the same sloppiness repeated. They must be held to account,” he stated.
Auditor’s report
The committee further disclosed that the audit revealed that under the Car Loan and Mortgage Fund, Ksh 30.7 million was disbursed without collateral or supporting documents.
Additionally, Ksh 10,652,082 in loan repayments from former staff remains outstanding. The Fund also lacked loan application forms, minutes of approval, and securities, all contrary to Regulation 16(1) of the Fund’s own law.
Natembeya’s remarks
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya acknowledged the shortcomings, revealing that while many accountants were sponsored for training, attendance was poor. He pledged tighter supervision and enforcement of training participation going forward.
“We have sponsored many of these accountants for training, but some don’t even attend. We’re now tightening supervision and enforcing attendance.” he said.
The Committee directed the County to secure all loans with collateral, ensure proper documentation, and recover outstanding funds.