A recent audit has revealed significant financial mismanagement in government cash transfer programmes, raising concerns over accountability in the use of public funds. The report, issued by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu, highlights discrepancies in the expenditure of KES 28.7 billion allocated to social protection initiatives.
The 2023/2024 audit flagged multiple irregularities, including overpayments, unverified beneficiary records, and ineffective financial controls. Among the most concerning findings was the overpayment of KES 896,500 to 919 beneficiaries in February 2024. Each recipient under the Consolidated Cash Transfer Programme is entitled to KES 2,000 per month, but some received excess payments, suggesting a lack of oversight.
Additionally, the audit found that 15,243 caregivers were managing multiple households, violating programme rules. “A number of unsatisfactory issues were flagged, including overpayments, unverified beneficiary data, and poor controls over financial transactions,” the report stated.
Weak financial controls also led to repeated failed credit transactions. The audit identified 1,719 beneficiaries who experienced more than three unsuccessful credit transactions, leaving KES 34.8 million unpaid and unaccounted for. In the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and Persons with Severe Disabilities (PSD) payrolls, 646 orphans and 3,812 vulnerable children were found to be registered with invalid national identification numbers. “In the circumstances, the effectiveness of data validation controls over beneficiary enrolment could not be confirmed,” the report noted.
Beyond financial discrepancies, the audit uncovered land encroachments on properties meant for children’s remand homes and rehabilitation centres. In Nairobi’s Westlands sub-county, a 17-hectare plot belonging to the Getathuru National Reception, Assessment, and Classification Centre was partially occupied by a Chinese construction company, which built a permanent double perimeter wall after the completion of the Redhill-Waiyaki Way bypass project.
Similar concerns were raised over the Wamumu Rehabilitation School, where 40.5 hectares were allocated to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) without proper approval documents. In Murang’a, private developers had constructed permanent structures on a 0.9-hectare plot meant for a children’s remand home.
Auditor-General Gathungu emphasized the need for stronger financial controls, enhanced data verification, and legal action to reclaim public land. With these findings, a parliamentary investigation into the management of funds and land is expected.
