Hustler Fund faces scrutiny as MPs demand answers on missing Sh14 billion, beneficiary records
MPs slam Hustler Fund for failing to account for Sh14 billion, demanding missing beneficiary records and full transparency.
The Hustler Fund is under scrutiny after it emerged that the organisation has failed to respond to 21 audit queries for the 2022/2023 financial year, related to missing beneficiary records and funds yet to reach intended recipients.
During a session on Tuesday, the National Assembly's Special Funds Accounts Committee, chaired by Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Zainab, suspended proceedings after discovering that critical documents had not been provided for over a year, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability.
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“What we have witnessed today is a mockery of this Committee,” Fatuma said, directing the newly appointed CEO, Henry Tanui, to return with all outstanding documents within seven days.
“We will not accept excuses. Kenyans deserve clarity.”
Committee members pressed the Fund’s management on why key records—including the list of beneficiaries and the status of funds not yet in circulation—were missing. Legislators warned that withholding such information undermines public confidence in the Fund’s management of taxpayer resources.
'No money lost'
The CEO insisted that “no money has been lost,” revealing that the Fund had received Sh14 billion from the Exchequer, of which only Sh1.4 billion is currently in circulation.
Members countered that unrecovered loans effectively represent lost funds from the taxpayers’ perspective.
Responding to a question from Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna on the status of beneficiaries, Tanui said a recovery strategy is underway and that loans are linked to ID numbers, with records to be provided. The committee questioned why these documents had not been shared sooner.
Committee Vice Chairperson Rahim Dawood raised further concerns, noting that some funds may have been disbursed to fictitious accounts and highlighting that the Committee has been seeking these documents for nearly a year.
“The PS is hiding behind your office,” he added.
Members also indicated they may recommend a special audit, citing lingering doubts over whether the remaining funds are intact and why supporting documents continue to be withheld.
“This is the last chance. We must account to the people. We need proper details of who got what money and what has happened since,” Fatuma said.
The committee stated it will reconvene to review the documents once submitted, as it works to establish a full picture of how public funds were allocated and whether due process was followed.
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