Sh38.8m Nyandarua spending under EACC probe

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The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched investigations into alleged financial misappropriation running into millions of shillings in the administration of Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha.

The investigation follows a whistleblower's report alleging that Sh38.8 million allocated to the Youth Affairs, Sports and Innovation department in the financial year ended June 30, 2025, cannot be accounted for.

According to the complaint submitted to the EACC in February, the department had a budget of Sh76.3 million, of which Sh38.8 million was allegedly misappropriated over five months between May and August 2025.

Among the activities flagged is a Sh4 million allocation for the Nyandarua County talent search, which the whistleblower claims was never undertaken.

Another Sh10 million was allocated for a recognition of prior learning programme.

However, documents cited in the complaint show that the National Industrial Training Authority received Sh4 million. In contrast, Ol'Kalou Technical and Vocational College received Sh560,000, raising questions about the whereabouts of the remaining Sh5.4 million.

The complaint also alleges irregular procurement, through proxies of two senior county officials, for the construction of running tracks and perimeter fences at two stadia.

At Wakirogo Stadium, Sh1.5 million was allegedly paid for a running track and perimeter fence, but only grading around the stadium was carried out. A similar Sh1.5 million allocation for a perimeter fence and tracks at Ol Jorok Stadium allegedly resulted only in light grading, with no fencing undertaken.

“The matter is pending under investigation. It was received and processed and recommended for investigation by the Nyeri branch,” the EACC said.

The probe comes as the Auditor-General raises concerns over the county government's financial management.

In her latest report, Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu flagged unsupported voided transactions worth more than Sh1.19 billion.

The county government failed to provide supporting documents, including voided payment vouchers, requests to void payments, National Treasury approvals and Exchequer requisitions from the Controller of Budget.

“Further, the voided payments were not disclosed as pending accounts payable, and the utilisation of funds meant for voided transactions was not confirmed,” Ms Gathungu said.

A report by the Controller of Budget also flagged the Badilisha administration over high levels of pending bills, which stood at Sh979 million as of March 31, 2026. Some of the bills had remained unpaid for more than three years, raising concerns over the county's failure to clear historical debts.

The concerns have prompted Mirangine Ward MCA Samuel Wainaina to call on the county assembly to strengthen oversight of the implementation of the county's Sh9.43 billion budget for the financial year ended June 30, 2026.

Mr Wainaina wants the Budget and Appropriations Committee to scrutinise expenditure submitted to and approved by the Controller of Budget, including amounts requisitioned and approved, dates of approval and the entities that received the funds.

He also wants the committee to prepare a schedule of all projects, programmes and contracts for which payments were made during the financial year, showing the project or programme, contractor, supplier or beneficiary, amount paid, date of payment and implementation status.

The MCA further wants the inquiry to examine all payments that were voided, cancelled, reversed or otherwise withdrawn during the financial year.

The review, he said, should establish the amounts involved, transaction dates, reasons for the reversals, and the current status of the funds.

The county government is also facing scrutiny over a Sh2.99 million payment to a contractor for the Githima Water Pipeline project in Mirangine Ward.

According to documents seen by Nation, M/S Fadram Company Limited was paid Sh2,998,300 for the project.

The five petitioners — Samuel Kanyi, Patrick Gachuhi, Paul Njoki, Stephen Maina and Peter Ng'ang'a — claim that despite the full payment, the project remains unimplemented.

They want Finance and Economic Planning Chief Officer Fredrick Irungu investigated over the payment.

The petitioners accuse the chief officer of gross misconduct and alleged violations of Section 97 of the Public Finance Management Act, the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.

“Despite the full disbursement of Sh2,998,300 of public money to M/S Fadram Company Limited, the project remains completely unexecuted, non-existent and no value for money or water access was delivered to the residents of Mirangine Ward,” the petitioners said.

They want the county assembly to summon Mr Irungu and the directors of Fadram to explain how the funds were spent.

They are also seeking recommendations for Mr Irungu's interdiction and dismissal by the Governor and County Public Service Board, recovery of the money and referral of the matter to investigative agencies, including the EACC and Directorate of Criminal Investigations, for possible prosecution.

Mr Irungu acknowledged that the payment was made but said the scope of the project had subsequently been changed to exclude pipe laying, without any corresponding reduction in the contract value.

He also blamed political interference by the area MCA, saying the pipes procured for the project are currently stored at Mirangine Police Station.

“The project has been investigated by the Office of the Auditor-General, the EACC and Nyandarua County Assembly,” Mr Irungu said.

Reporting originally appeared via Nation Africa. Read the full source for additional context.