Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o. Photo credit: Office of CoB.
The Controller of Budget (CoB), Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, has raised concern over the diversion of more than Sh13 billion by county governments, funds that were allocated for the settlement of verified pending bills.
In a report covering the first half of the 2024/2025 financial year, Dr. Nyakang’o revealed that several counties used the money to pay for unapproved bills, bypassing genuine claims that had already been scrutinized and sanctioned for payment.
“The continued diversion of funds away from approved pending bills undermines the accountability of county governments and violates the directive by the National Treasury to prioritize the settlement of verified obligations,” she stated.
Also read: Why EPRA Wants Insurance for All Cooking Gas Dealers
Pending bills remain a pressing issue across devolved units, with suppliers and contractors consistently decrying delayed payments for goods and services delivered.
The Controller warned that the trend not only cripples service delivery but also fuels mistrust in public financial management.
Dr. Nyakang’o called on the Senate and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the misuse of funds and take appropriate action against counties that have flouted the guidelines.
She further urged county assemblies to enhance their oversight role to ensure compliance with financial regulations.
The revelation comes amid growing scrutiny of public spending, with the Auditor-General also flagging irregular expenditures in multiple counties.
The CoB emphasized the need for transparency and strict adherence to budgetary allocations to protect public funds and restore confidence among service providers.
