Senate uncovers Sh7.6 billion scandal in stalled county projects and wasted funds

A Senate committee report has exposed widespread neglect of development projects in counties, sparking concern over the loss of billions in public funds and the denial of vital services to citizens.

The Senate Public Accounts Committee revealed that projects worth Sh7.6 billion have either stalled, remained incomplete, or are behind schedule in the current financial year.

According to the report, these delays are due to poor planning, lack of timely funding, and weak project prioritisation by county governments.

“The committee noted that during the FY 2023/24, projects worth Sh7.6 billion are either stalled, incomplete or behind schedule against their expected completion deadlines,” the report stated.

The committee warned that some stalled projects were not even properly valued in audit reports, with some showing incomplete figures or pending payments, making it difficult to estimate the full scale of funds at risk.

“Stalled and incomplete projects tie up public funds and deny citizens essential services. They also increase project costs, as contractors may seek cost variations due to delays,” the report noted.

Wasteful

Senators voiced frustration over the growing number of projects being abandoned every time a new administration takes over in a county. They said this was not only wasteful but also damaging to public trust and access to services such as health, education and infrastructure.

Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute gave the example of the Sololo Level Four Hospital, which has remained incomplete for seven years. The hospital was started under former governor Ukur Yatani but has not been finished by the current leadership.

“Despite construction efforts spanning over seven years, the hospital remains incomplete, raising serious concerns about access to essential healthcare services in the region,” Mohamed said.

He blamed the current county administration for failing to follow through with the project and accused it of ignoring the health needs of local residents.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale described the situation as unacceptable, saying that communities in counties like Isiolo are now forced to travel as far as Ethiopia for treatment because of stalled health facilities.

From Isiolo to Ethiopia for treatment

“It is sad that Kenyans have to travel from places like Isiolo to Ethiopia to seek medical treatment because of this kind of negligence,” Khalwale said.

Senators said the issue is not isolated to Marsabit or health projects alone, but is happening across the country.

Many governors are choosing to sideline or stop projects started by their predecessors, regardless of how much money has already been spent or how close they are to completion.

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• county funds
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• Counties
• county development projects
• Sololo Level Four Hospital
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Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said the habit of ignoring previous projects and starting new ones without proper plans or funding has become too common.

“Billions of shillings are tied up in stalled projects. Governors are either abandoning initiatives started by their predecessors or launching new ones without proper budgets or feasibility studies,” Cherargei said.

Senators warned that unless the national government and oversight bodies come up with firm measures, the problem is likely to persist, especially during county leadership transitions.

They called for stronger accountability, better planning, and strict follow-up on all ongoing county projects to ensure public funds are not wasted and citizens get the services they deserve.