Four governors from Kenya's coastal region faced scrutiny from a Senate committee over allegations of financial mismanagement, corruption, and legal violations in the water and health sectors. Billions in public funds have been misused or lost without proper documentation. Residents suffer from poverty and poor services.
The Senate Committee on County Investments held sessions in Nairobi last week to probe claims against governors Abdulswamad Nassir of Mombasa, Gideon Mung’aro of Kilifi, Issa Timamy of Lamu, and Dhado Godhana of Tana River.
In Mombasa, the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) has repeatedly failed to submit annual financial reports to the Office of the Auditor General (OAG). "This is not the first time. It has become a habit from that hospital. Every year, this hospital has been ignoring the public finance auditor's office. Mombasa residents have the right to know how their money is used," said Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the committee chair. Senator Eddy Oketch called for legal action against the hospital's officials.
Governor Nassir stated he had suspended two officers. At the Mombasa Water company (MOWASCO), a debt of Sh2.26 billion emerged, with sewage being dumped into the sea due to non-functional treatment plants. Senator Peris Tobiko criticized, "Do you know that you are endangering public lives? People swim in water polluted with human waste, and fishermen catch fish?"
Nassir defended himself, noting a World Bank-funded rehabilitation project set to complete in October 2026. The committee demanded immediate action.
For Kilifi, non-revenue water at Malindi Water rose to 42% from 16% the previous year. "This increase is not normal; this is deliberate theft," Osotsi said.
Lamu faced scrutiny over recurring audit queries in hospitals at Faza, Mpeketoni, and Lamu referral, including poor record-keeping and stalled projects since 2023. Senator Agnes Kavindu expressed her concerns.
Tana River's Governor Godhana pledged cooperation with audit institutions. Kwale's Governor Achani complained of staff shortages in county hospitals and nurseries during her questioning on municipality management.
