Contractors in Tana River County have called on the Senate to address unpaid bills and alleged mismanagement of public funds, following the Public Accounts Committee's failure to visit the region last week. The contractors accused the county government of prioritizing recent projects over long-standing obligations, while civil society leaders highlighted concerns about "ghost projects" that allegedly received payments despite lacking physical evidence of completion.
Area Senator Danson Mungatana, who met with contractors in Hola town, stated that the Senate PAC's absence deprived citizens of an opportunity to present their grievances. He criticized the county's adherence to a "First in First Out" (FIFO) payment principle, noting that contractors who completed projects years ago remained unpaid while newer firms received payments due to alleged favoritism. "The principle of FIFO is not being followed," Mungatana said, adding that some contractors' documentation was used to release funds that allegedly bypassed their intended recipients.
Mungatana emphasized that a Senate session in Tana River could expose unverified projects and prevent public funds from being misused. He cited examples of roads and infrastructure claimed to be built with millions in county funds but lacking visible evidence. "The people of Tana River are saddened by the failure of the Senate PAC to come here," he said, urging colleagues to schedule a visit to address the issues directly.
Rashid Onchanga, secretary general of the county's Civil Society Organizations, expressed disappointment over the PAC's cancellation of its planned 25th-of-the-month visit. He stated that civil society had prepared to raise concerns about public fund management and inspect allegedly completed projects. "This is one of the most marginalized counties in the country, and its vulnerability is still rising," Onchanga said, stressing the urgency of the Senate's intervention.
Steve Buya, a local youth representative, questioned the decision to cancel the session, noting that the governor's absence did not justify the postponement. He argued that the deputy governor should have addressed the concerns, as the county's operations depend on resolving unpaid bills. "When the pending bills are not being paid, the county is not running," Buya said, highlighting the ripple effects on families and suppliers reliant on contractor payments.
The controversy underscores broader challenges in Kenya's county governance, where delayed payments and opaque financial practices have sparked public frustration. Tana River, a historically marginalized region, faces heightened scrutiny over its resource allocation, with critics accusing officials of prioritizing political interests over public accountability.
Mungatana reiterated his call for the Senate to prioritize Tana River, stating that the county's plight reflects systemic issues in local governance. "Our citizens are waiting for you to listen to their issues and find a way to help them," he said, urging the PAC to act swiftly to restore trust and ensure transparency in public spending.