Kenya – Samburu Governor Lati Lelelit and his executive team were grilled by the Senate County Public Investment Committee and Special Funds over financial management lapses in the county.
The session, held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, reviewed the Auditor General’s reports for the 2024/2025 financial year, focusing on the county water company, Maralal Municipality, and two public hospitals.
The hearing was chaired by Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, Vice Chair of the committee, who warned that the Senate would not tolerate administrative lapses or attempts to obstruct parliamentary oversight.
Water Company Under Scrutiny
Tensions arose over the Samburu Water and Sanitation Company (SAWASCO), which had received a disclaimer of opinion from the Auditor General after auditors were denied access to critical financial records. Complicating matters, the water company’s CEO and accountant failed to attend the session.
"This committee does not accept the explanation that officers whose entity received a disclaimer opinion are somewhere in Nairobi printing documents… That is obstruction," Oketch stated.
The committee resolved to uphold the disclaimer opinion and warned that failure to provide records could trigger penalties under Section 62 of the Public Audit Act.
Concerns Over Maralal Municipality
Senators raised questions about Maralal Municipality’s adverse audit opinion, noting that the county had failed to operationalize key municipal functions despite legal responsibilities.
Senator Raphael Chimera called it a structure that exists in law but not in financial reality, urging the county to make the municipality operationally and financially independent.
Hospital Financial Irregularities
Auditors flagged Ksh 9.41 million collected through the Facilities Improvement Financing framework that was redirected to the County Revenue Fund, violating legal provisions.
Hospital administrators were also questioned over expired pharmaceuticals amid reported shortages and Ksh 7.9 million in unclaimed Social Health Authority funds due to missing documentation.
Governor Lelelit acknowledged the gaps, promising to refund misallocated funds through the supplementary budget and strengthen internal systems.
The committee directed the county to submit missing financial documents within 14 days and a report on the rejected SHA claims within 30 days.
"This committee works with evidence, not promises. The audit opinions stand, and we will follow up until Samburu County answers every question raised," Oketch added.
The hearing underscores the Senate’s commitment to accountability, following similar scrutiny in Nairobi County over banking arrangements for health facilities.
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