Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya has been questioned after it emerged that some senior county officials approved and took Ksh30 million in unsecured loans from public funds.
In a meeting with Natembeya on July 30, the Senate Public Investments and Special Funds Committee raised the alarm over massive financial mismanagement in the County.
The Committee, chaired by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch found that a few senior officials allocated themselves loans amounting to Ksh30,730,000 without any security or insurance, even as residents struggle to access essential services.
“This is a betrayal of public trust. 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 said.
The audit revealed that under the Car Loan and Mortgage Fund, Kshs30.7 million was disbursed without collateral or supporting documents.
Additionally, Ksh10,652,082 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.
MPs Slam County Accountants
According to the Committee, the crisis runs deeper and across nearly all funds.
This includes the Elimu Bursary, Climate Change, and Nawiri Funds, where the Committee identified glaring inaccuracies and unsupported cash and cash equivalents.
Also Read: Natembeya Criticized for Allocating Ksh5 Million for Coffins
The Committee further noted long‑outstanding imprests, with accountants cited as being at the heart of the problem.
Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera accused the County accountants of being incompetent and must face the law.
“Qualified? Maybe. Competence? Clearly not. These accountants are the common thread in every failed fund. We are seeing the same sloppiness repeated. They must be held to account,” Chimera said.
Also Read: Is Natembeya a Threat to Ruto?
Natembeya Explains the Ordeal
Governor George Natembeya acknowledged the capacity gaps.
He explained that some of the accountants have not been attending the training funded by his administration.
Natembeya said the County government will ensure strict supervision and ensure staff attendance is strictly enforced.
“We’ve sponsored many of these accountants for training, but some don’t even attend. We’re now tightening supervision and enforcing attendance,” Netembeya said
The Committee directed the County to secure all loans with collateral, ensure proper documentation, recover outstanding funds, and table its agreement with SBM Bank, which manages the loan facility.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
