Uasin Gishu County Under Fire Over KSh 367 Million Questionable Expenditures

 

Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii's administration is facing intense scrutiny after a damning report by the Controller of Budget (CoB) flagged questionable expenditures amounting to over KSh 367 million.

The latest report by the CoB reveals that the county government spent a staggering KSh 14.49 million on a single overseas trip to the United States, raising red flags over possible misuse of public funds. Even more alarming, the county reportedly splurged KSh 353.41 million on domestic travel in the month of May 2025 alone, a figure that has sparked widespread criticism and public outcry.

The report questions the necessity and prudence of such high travel expenses, especially at a time when the county is grappling with a decline in its own-source revenue. According to the CoB, Uasin Gishu's internally generated revenue dropped by 4.9% in the 2024/2025 financial year, a shortfall that could jeopardize critical development projects and service delivery — particularly in Eldoret, which was recently elevated to city status.

“This decline in own-source revenue could significantly hamper the county’s ability to deliver services and implement key development initiatives in the newly elevated city,” the report warns.

The Controller of Budget also raised concerns over transparency and accountability within the county administration. Notably, two fund administrators failed to submit mandatory quarterly financial reports, and the county did not disclose its administrative costs — a move that contravenes financial regulations and further fuels fears of opaque practices.

“These omissions raise serious governance concerns and hinder effective oversight of public resources,” the report states.

The findings have sparked outrage among residents and civil society groups, who are now demanding a full investigation and accountability from Governor Bii's administration.

“This kind of financial recklessness is unacceptable. We are calling on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and other oversight bodies to launch an immediate probe,” said Jane Kiptoo, a local governance activist in Eldoret.

The county government has yet to issue a formal response to the report.

As pressure mounts, the spotlight remains firmly on Uasin Gishu’s leadership, with many now questioning whether the newly minted city status will bring real development — or simply deeper financial mismanagement.