Questions over public spending priorities have resurfaced as county governments continue to balance festive activities with pressing development needs, drawing renewed attention to how limited resources are allocated during economically challenging times.
At the centre of the controversy is Bungoma County, where auditors and legislators are questioning the use of Ksh. 3.6 million spent on purchasing and installing decorative Christmas lights to illuminate a festive tree.
County officials have defended the expenditure as part of end year celebrations meant to promote tourism and uplift public morale, but the explanation has done little to calm growing unease.
Several senators have now stepped in, formally calling on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to open investigations into the procurement process, value for money and compliance with public finance regulations.
They argue that at a time when counties are struggling to fund health services, roads and youth programmes, such spending raises serious questions about priorities and accountability.
The matter has also revived scrutiny of other high profile projects in the county, including the ongoing construction of the Masinde Muliro Stadium, which has repeatedly drawn public attention over costs, timelines and transparency.
Some leaders are questioning whether adequate oversight is being applied across departments, warning that isolated controversies could point to deeper systemic weaknesses in procurement and project management.
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Civil society groups and residents have echoed these concerns, urging the EACC and the Senate to move swiftly and ensure any wrongdoing is addressed to deter misuse of public funds.
They insist that festive decorations, while culturally important, should never compete with essential development projects, especially in counties facing unemployment and infrastructure gaps.
As investigations are awaited, pressure continues to mount on Bungoma’s leadership to provide detailed documentation and justification for the expenditure, alongside updates on stalled or delayed projects.
The outcome of the probes is expected to shape future debates on fiscal discipline, with many hoping it will reinforce stronger safeguards, restore public trust and set clearer boundaries on discretionary spending by county governments.
For residents, the controversy serves as a reminder that transparency and accountability remain central to devolution, and that every shilling spent should ultimately translate into tangible benefits for communities across the county.
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