Mombasa water firm faces tough questions over asset records, fleet condition
Highlighting the need to prevent disputes from arising and escalating, the resolution further called on Member States to take “necessary measures for the effective implementation of Security Council resolutions for peaceful settlement of disputes.”
The Mombasa Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited is facing renewed scrutiny after assembly members of the County Public Investments and Accounts Committee (CPIAC) raised concerns over the management and transparency of its fleet assets, some of which were found to be grounded or outdated.
During a session chaired by MCA Sylvester Kai, the committee questioned the reliability of the company’s declared asset value of Sh 37.5 million, with discrepancies emerging from recent audit findings.
Initial records showed the company owned 40 motor vehicles, 40 motorcycles and nine tuk-tuks, with 12 of the vehicles listed as non-functional.
However, updated assessments revealed that a number of those vehicles had since been returned to service, casting doubt on the accuracy of earlier reports.
Legislators pressed for clarification, prompting the company to provide an updated asset register. The new document indicated 11 operational vehicles, five still grounded, and all tuk-tuks accounted for, though notably, no record of the motorcycles was provided.
Joel Mumanyi, who heads the transport department, told the committee that “some of the assets were inherited from national and regional water agencies, and that grounded units were either undergoing repair or earmarked for disposal.”
Further issues arose over the legitimacy of the company’s asset valuation.
MCA Patrick Mbelle questioned the presence of duplicate entries and lack of formal certification on the documents presented.
In response, Grace Mwazi from the accounts department admitted that the figures, representing depreciated values, had yet to be reconciled with the latest financial statements, contributing to the discrepancies observed.
The committee demanded that Mombasa Water furnish verified ownership records, updated inventories, vehicle logbooks, and technical evaluation forms to support the proposed disposal of ageing assets.
Procurement officer Hassman Onyango said five vehicles and nine tuk-tuks had already been identified for disposal pending approval by the company’s board. He added that valuation and technical assessments were still underway, with a certified valuer yet to be engaged.
Tensions escalated when the acting Managing Director, Habiba Ali, abruptly left the meeting without notifying the committee. Chairperson Kai condemned the move, terming it disrespectful and a violation of public service ethics.
The committee has since vowed to pursue the matter further, insisting on full accountability from the water utility over the use of public resources.
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