Auditor-General Seeks EACC Probe Into Busia County Over Suspected Financial Irregularities
The Office of the Auditor-General has recommended that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launch a formal investigation into Busia County’s financial management for the 2023/2024 audit cycle. Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu flagged several inconsistencies in the county’s expenditure records, raising concerns over questionable payments, unsupported spending, and stalled development projects whose funds had already been allocated. The findings, released in her latest review, have put Busia County’s financial accountability under intense public scrutiny.
According to the audit, multiple county departments failed to provide adequate documentation to justify expenditures, while some projects declared complete in previous years were found inactive or partially implemented. The report further highlights potential procurement breaches, including irregular contract awards and discrepancies in supplier payments. These revelations come at a sensitive time for the county, as national oversight bodies—including the Senate’s Committee on Devolution—have also recently summoned county officials to explain delayed flagship projects and underutilized development funds. The Auditor-General’s move is widely interpreted as an attempt to prompt deeper investigations beyond routine financial reviews.
The call for an EACC probe has triggered sharp reactions across Busia’s political landscape. Civil society groups and residents have welcomed the recommendation, arguing that long-standing complaints about mismanagement may finally be addressed. On the other hand, allies of the county administration have suggested the scrutiny may be politically motivated, particularly as the audit touches on projects inherited from the previous regime. Nonetheless, governance experts say the probe could help restore confidence in the county’s financial systems and set clear accountability standards ahead of future budget cycles. As Busia prepares to engage with investigative agencies and oversight bodies, the outcome of the inquiry is expected to shape public trust and influence upcoming development priorities.