Parliament Tense as Kajiado Governor Defends County Spending

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Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku appeared before the Senate County Public Investments Committee (CPIC) to respond to a raft of audit queries touching on the management of public resources in his county.

The session was chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, whose committee has been conducting intensified scrutiny of county governments and their commercial ventures.

Governor Ole Lenku was accompanied by a team of senior county officials, including finance and legal officers, as he took his seat before the committee.

Senators sought clarity on issues raised by the Auditor-General, particularly regarding the performance, governance and financial accountability of county owned entities and projects funded using public money.

Ole Lenku maintained that his administration remains committed to transparency and prudent use of resources.

He told the committee that some of the concerns raised were historical and dated back to previous financial years, adding that corrective measures had already been initiated to address weaknesses flagged by auditors.

Senator Osotsi pressed the governor to provide detailed explanations on procurement processes, revenue collection and expenditure patterns, warning that counties must not treat Senate oversight as a routine formality.

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He emphasised that CPIC’s mandate was to safeguard public funds and ensure that county investments deliver tangible benefits to residents.

Other committee members questioned delays in the completion of certain projects and the viability of investments that appeared to be underperforming.

They demanded documentary evidence to support the governor’s responses, directing the county to submit additional records within specified timelines.

Ole Lenku defended his administration’s track record, citing ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening internal controls and improving efficiency within county entities.

He acknowledged challenges facing devolved units, including funding constraints and legal disputes, but insisted that Kajiado was on a steady path toward improved financial discipline.

The appearance forms part of a broader Senate oversight exercise that has seen several governors summoned to explain how devolved governments manage public investments.

CPIC is expected to compile a comprehensive report based on the hearings, which may inform recommendations, sanctions or policy changes aimed at strengthening accountability at the county level.