Senate Moves to Block Natembeya From Accessing Trans Nzoia County Funds

The Senate has warned that Trans Nzoia County could soon be blocked from accessing its funds unless Governor George Natembeya resolves the issue of unpaid gratuity owed to former county staff.

The warning was issued by the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) on Thursday, January 29, during a meeting with Governor Natembeya. The committee was reviewing the 2024/2025 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General, which revealed millions of shillings in unpaid terminal benefits.

According to the audit report, Trans Nzoia County owes about Ksh52 million in gratuity. Half of the amount, Ksh26 million, is owed to staff who worked in the Office of the Governor during the tenure of former Governor Patrick Khaemba. The remaining Ksh26 million is owed to employees from different county departments.

CPAC Chairperson Moses Kajwang warned that the Controller of Budget should stop approving withdrawals from the County Revenue Fund until the county presents a clear and acceptable plan for paying the gratuity. He insisted that the payment plan must be approved by both CPAC and the Auditor-General.

Governor Natembeya acknowledged that the payments had been delayed, blaming financial challenges and unpaid statutory deductions from previous administrations. He explained that penalties and taxes had further strained the county’s finances.

“It is an unfortunate situation. We are aware that the payments have not been made, but there is no malice. It is due to circumstances,” Natembeya said.

However, Kajwang dismissed the explanation, stressing that former officers are fully entitled to their gratuity and that the county must prioritise settling the debt.

Senator Samson Cherarkey also criticised the delay, stating that gratuity is not a favour but a legal obligation. He urged the governor to present a concrete plan to clear the arrears.

The committee further faulted the county for delaying staff terminal dues for more than four years, terming the situation unjustified. Senators argued that internal inefficiencies within the county government, rather than external factors, were responsible for the prolonged delay.

If the Controller of Budget follows the committee’s recommendation, Trans Nzoia County could be effectively locked out of its funds until Governor Natembeya submits a workable payment plan.

Lawmakers warned that failure to comply could attract tougher sanctions and worsen the county’s financial situation. They emphasised that public funds must be managed responsibly, with staff welfare treated as a priority.

In response, Governor Natembeya assured the committee that the county would allocate money through a supplementary budget to clear the gratuity arrears. CPAC, however, said it would continue monitoring the situation to ensure the county meets its obligations.