- Over Ksh. 30 million disbursed to county officials without collateral or documentation
- Audit reveals irregularities in Elimu Bursary, Nawiri, and Climate Change Funds
- Senate demands recovery plan and full disclosure of all loan agreements
- Governor Natembeya blames “capacity gaps,” critics call it political looting
Trans Nzoia County officials have been exposed for illegally awarding themselves unsecured loans totalling Ksh. 30,730,000, all under the Car Loan and Mortgage Fund.
According to a report tabled before the Senate Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, the funds were issued without collateral, insurance, or proper documentation.
“No loan forms. No minutes. No securities. Nothing,” the audit revealed.
In addition to the loans, the committee found that Ksh. 10.6 million remains unpaid by former employees who have already exited public service.
Other county funds, including: Elimu Bursary, Nawiri Fund, and Climate Change Fund
…were flagged for missing documents, ghost imprests, and financial inaccuracies—all managed by the same group of accountants.
While responding to the revelations, Governor George Natembeya admitted there are serious capacity issues in the finance department.
“We’ve sponsored trainings, but some of these officers don’t even attend… We’re now enforcing attendance and stronger oversight.”
— Governor George Natembeya
However, critics argue that the scandal points to deliberate misuse of public funds rather than poor training.
The Senate has now directed the county government to: Enforce loan recovery from current and former beneficiaries, Attach securities to future loans, Table all agreements made with SBM Bank, the financier of the fund
As scrutiny deepens, the case adds to growing concerns of financial impunity at the county level, especially as elections draw near.
