If you’ve been scrolling through your timeline, you’ve probably seen the back-and-forth between our senators and governors. It’s the kind of drama that could rival a prime-time soap opera, but with real-life consequences for every mwananchi. On one side, we have senators demanding accountability for county spending. On the other, governors are crying foul, claiming harassment and political witch-hunts. So, what’s really going on?The Heart of the Matter: Procurement and Public Funds
The latest chapter in this saga involves the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), which has sounded the alarm over six counties: Nairobi, Marsabit, Migori, Wajir, Mandera, and Isiolo . According to PPRA Director-General Patrick Wanjuki, these counties have repeatedly failed to submit their procurement records. This isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about transparency. When counties don’t upload documents like tender notices and contract awards to the Public Procurement Information Portal, it’s impossible for the public to know how their money is being spent. This lack of transparency can lead to delayed payments for suppliers and, more worryingly, create opportunities for corruption .
The PPRA has even threatened to put these counties on a “list of shame” and has called on the Senate to step in and enforce the law . This move highlights a fundamental issue at the core of the Senate-governor standoff: the constitutional mandate of the Senate to oversee county expenditure.
Governors on the Defensive
In a dramatic turn of events, the Council of Governors (CoG) announced that they would be boycotting appearances before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) . During a retreat in Mombasa, the governors voiced their frustrations, citing “intimidation, harassment, and humiliation” during these oversight meetings . They’ve resolved to appear only once per audit cycle before the Senate Public Investments Committee, a move that has been met with stiff resistance from the Senate .
This boycott has been framed by the governors as a protest against the conduct of certain senators. However, it has also been interpreted by some as an attempt to evade accountability. As Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei put it, “as a governor, you have been elected to serve a public office… you must be subjected to what the law requires of you to do. Accountability” .
Senators Fire Back
The senators have not taken the governors’ accusations lying down. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka challenged the governors to report any instances of extortion to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) instead of making public pronouncements . He pointed to damning findings from the Auditor General, such as the KSh 45 million spent on non-existent avocado seedlings in one county, as evidence of why Senate scrutiny is crucial .
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, a vocal critic of his county’s governor, Fernandes Barasa, has also weighed in, warning that accountability is inevitable, especially with the 2027 elections on the horizon. “You can run but ultimately you will have absolutely nowhere to hide,” Khalwale wrote on X, formerly Twitter .
What This Means for the Kenyan Taxpayer
This standoff is more than just a political power struggle; it’s about the responsible use of public funds. When counties fail to follow procurement laws, it’s the ordinary Kenyan who suffers. It means that money intended for essential services like healthcare, infrastructure, and education may be lost to corruption or mismanagement.
The Senate’s role is to act as a watchdog, ensuring that the billions of shillings sent to the counties are used for their intended purpose. The governors, in turn, are expected to be transparent and accountable for their spending. When this relationship breaks down, it undermines the very principles of devolution.
As this drama unfolds, it’s important for us, the citizens, to stay informed and demand accountability from our elected leaders. After all, it’s our money on the line.
