By Janet Nyamwamu
The Decentralized Funds Accounts Committee has raised alarm over persistent accountability failures in the management of public funds, particularly in Mosop and Nandi Hills constituencies.
Appearing before the committee chaired by Dr. Gideon Mulyungi (Mwingi Central), fund managers from both constituencies faced tough questions over incomplete project records, missing land title deeds, and financial misstatements flagged by the Auditor-General.
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In Mosop, managers were grilled over projects lacking photographic evidence despite completion certificates being filed.
“Where are the photos?” asked Dr. Mulyungi, prompting the team to later submit archived images.
Financial misstatements were also challenged, with managers admitting to omissions but failing to provide sufficient proof of correction.
A more pressing concern was the acquisition of land without proper title documentation.
Eleven parcels in Mosop lacked ownership records, with managers citing delays due to pending succession processes.
David Mboni (Kitui Rural) criticized the explanation, asking, “If it were your own land, would you joke around getting your title?”
Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated MP, Meru) added that the law of succession is clear unless there’s a dispute, accusing managers of losing interest after purchase.
Stephen Mogaka (West Mugirango) pressed the team to define “succession,” to which managers responded that the land remained under the names of deceased persons and was still under family control.
The committee rejected the excuse, terming the trend of buying land from deceased owners as reckless.
Dr. Mulyungi revealed that 27 title deed cases were still pending on his desk.
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In Nandi Hills, fund managers faced similar scrutiny.
Twelve parcels were flagged for lacking title deeds, again attributed to succession delays.
Dr. Mulyungi asked whether a full list had been compiled, and instructed the team to write to the CDF CEO with supporting documents and copy the committee.
The Auditor-General also flagged duplicated land purchases for certain schools, prompting the committee to demand clarity on whether the land was new or an extension.
Managers were directed to submit documentation confirming the legitimacy of each transaction.
MPs condemned the growing pattern of acquiring undocumented land using public funds and called for stricter compliance.
Dr. Mulyungi warned that laxity would no longer be tolerated.
“Public money must be safeguarded,” he said.
“We will not accept excuses going forward.”
