At least 15 county governments in Kenya face investigations over the alleged mismanagement of Sh1.3 billion in bursary funds following damning findings by the Senate’s County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee. Chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the committee tabled reports detailing financial irregularities spanning the 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22 financial years, pointing to rampant corruption in the management of funds intended for needy students.
The committee’s report has prompted senators to call on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate suspected embezzlement and incompetence in the counties of Bomet, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Garissa, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Lamu, Murang’a, Nandi, West Pokot, Kajiado, Machakos, Tana River, Trans Nzoia, and Vihiga.
Widespread Irregularities
Among the issues raised, the committee noted numerous inaccuracies in financial statements, a lack of documentation to support disbursements, and instances of funds reaching ineligible or non-existent beneficiaries. Some counties issued bouncing cheques, while others lacked essential records such as beneficiary lists or disbursed funds unaccounted for entirely.
For instance, in Nandi County, officials disbursed Sh102.35 million in the 2021-22 fiscal year without supporting documents. Similarly, Lamu County faces scrutiny over Sh253.60 million meant for scholarships and bursaries in the same period, with additional concerns about duplicate admission numbers and missing applications for Sh12.10 million disbursed in 2019-20.
Murang’a County is under investigation for failing to provide evidence to support Sh267.61 million allocated for bursaries in 2021-22. The committee observed that key details, such as references of schools and admission numbers, were absent from the records submitted for audit.
In Trans Nzoia, a questionable disbursement of Sh100.47 million in bursaries for 2019-20 has raised eyebrows, while Tana River faces allegations of unsupported bursary payments amounting to Sh43.98 million.
Calls for Accountability
The senators are demanding swift action from the EACC to probe the alleged fraud and provide updates to the Senate within 60 days. “The management of bursary funds in several counties has been riddled with incompetence, errors, and fraudulent activities, as evidenced in the audit reports,” Senator Osotsi remarked.
In Bungoma County, investigations have been recommended into Sh138.5 million allegedly disbursed inappropriately in 2021-22. The county also failed to account for an additional Sh13.03 million from the 2020-21 financial year.
Kericho County is accused of failing to disburse Sh80.18 million in bursaries during the 2021-22 fiscal year, prompting senators to demand accountability for the financial management of the funds.
Kajiado County similarly failed to account for Sh39.49 million disbursed in 2021-22, with records missing to substantiate expenses.
Broader Implications
The report highlights systemic challenges in the management of devolved funds, raising questions about oversight and governance. The suspected misappropriation of bursary funds underscores the plight of many needy students who rely on these resources to access education.
The committee has also recommended that ongoing investigations into fraud in bursary funds in West Pokot and Machakos counties be expedited.
As Kenya grapples with the implications of devolution, such scandals undermine public trust in county administrations. The EACC now faces mounting pressure to deliver timely and transparent investigations to restore accountability.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the EACC as it investigates these counties and seeks to ensure justice for the affected students and taxpayers.
