In a scandal that has all the markings of Kenya’s classic political rot, Trans Nzoia County officials have come under fire for quietly awarding themselves unsecured loans worth over KShs. 30 million, all while residents go without basic services like healthcare and clean water.
The revelation, tabled before the Senate Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, reads like a playbook in financial impunity.
Under the guise of the Car Loan and Mortgage Fund, senior county officials approved loans to themselves without collateral, insurance, or even basic paperwork.
According to the audit, a staggering KShs. 30,730,000 was disbursed in violation of the Fund’s own regulations, with an additional KShs. 10.6 million still unpaid by former staff who have since left public service.
No loan forms. No minutes. No securities. Nothing.
Other county funds, including the Elimu Bursary, Nawiri, and Climate Change Funds, are riddled with inaccuracies, missing records, and ghost imprests. The constant in all these? A suspiciously familiar set of accountants.
Governor George Natembeya, while acknowledging the glaring capacity gaps, attempted to defend his administration.
“We’ve sponsored trainings, but some of these officers don’t even attend… We’re now enforcing attendance and stronger oversight.”
But critics argue that the fish rots from the head. With elections looming, some say this is less about gaps in capacity and more about calculated enrichment. A political machine quietly lubricating itself with public funds under the radar.
The Senate has now ordered a full recovery plan, enforcement of collateral requirements, and the tabling of all agreements with SBM Bank, the institution managing the shadowy loan facility.
