NANDI County; Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has claimed that the County Government of Nandi failed to account for approximately KSh1.89 billion during its appearance before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), raising fresh concerns over financial accountability, expenditure and the implementation of development projects.
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| Left; Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Senator Samson Cherargei. (Photo Courtesy) |
Speaking after the committee session, Senator Cherargei alleged that the county administration was unable to satisfactorily explain several financial queries arising from the 2024/2025 financial year. He maintained that the issues discussed before the committee point to weaknesses in financial management and would be referred to the relevant accountability agencies for further action.
According to the senator, the committee examined audit queries involving KSh278.2 million in what he described as manufactured or unsupported pending bills, KSh62.9 million in deposit and retention funds that allegedly disappeared without explanation, and KSh447.4 million in unexplained variances relating to pending bills. He further claimed that KSh539.6 million was paid to unknown employees, raising concerns over the existence of ghost workers within the county payroll.
The senator also alleged that auditors questioned KSh134.7 million in unexplained variances in the County Revenue Fund, KSh41.9 million paid to ten law firms without adequate accountability, and KSh165.4 million spent on furniture for the Governor's offices at the yet-to-be-completed county headquarters. Additionally, he claimed that KSh10.1 million allocated for road works, KSh18.9 million spent on borehole drilling, and KSh35 million reportedly transferred by the County Executive to the County Assembly could not be adequately accounted for before the committee.
Cherargei further raised concerns over KSh155.5 million paid to temporary and casual employees, arguing that such payments are susceptible to abuse and could facilitate the inclusion of ghost workers on the county payroll.
The senator said the cumulative amount under query stands at KSh1,890,017,540, which he described as funds the County Executive failed to satisfactorily account for during its appearance before the Senate committee. He added that the committee will conduct an oversight visit to Nandi County to inspect the status and progress of county development projects.
By the time of publication, the County Government of Nandi had not publicly responded to Senator Cherargei's allegations. The Senate's examination of county accounts is part of its constitutional oversight mandate, and the audit queries remain subject to review and determination by the relevant oversight and accountability institutions.