County chiefs accused of extravagance

By Job Weru

Nyeri, Kenya: A former MP has accused governors and county assemblies of engaging in lavish spending of public funds allocated to county governments.

Mr Ephraim Maina, the former Mathira MP said Kenyans risked losing billions of shillings to new corruption rings that involve governors and Members of County Assemblies.

Speaking to journalists in Mathira, Maina regretted the spirit of devolution risked being ruined by ‘devolved corruption’ and uncontrolled spending.

“It is regrettable that at a time when hospitals do not have drugs and schools lack facilities, most counties have factored entertainment and expensive vehicles in their budgets. The authorities charged with cracking down on corruption should decentralise their activities to curb corruption that may be devolved to the counties,” said Maina.

He said though billions of shillings were allocated for development in the counties, most governors were allocating huge budgets for unnecessary expenses.