Senate Summons Garissa Officials Over Questionable Expenditures in 2024/2025 Audit

Garissa Governor Jama Grilled by EACC in Sh1.2 Billion Mismanagement Probe
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama Adan was on Thursday questioned for several hours by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of massive financial irregularities amounting to more than Sh1.2 billion. The governor was summoned to record a formal statement as investigators probe claims of irregular recruitment of county staff, payment of nearly Sh700 million in salaries to suspected ghost workers, and conflict of interest in key procurement deals. Governor Jama, who maintained his innocence during the session, left the commission’s Integrity Centre offices without addressing the media.
The ongoing inquiry stems from a letter issued by the EACC Director of Investigations, Paschal Mweu, detailing concerns over the management of public funds between October 2022 and June 2024. According to the commission, the probe involves multimillion-shilling tenders allegedly awarded irregularly, including a Sh265 million contract to Takaful Insurance of Africa Ltd and Tina Gardens Hotel—firms said to have possible links to the governor. Investigators also questioned him about the Sh188 million tender awarded to Jubalink Logistics and Transport Company for the construction of a pavilion and perimeter wall at Garissa Primary School, as well as a Sh110 million contract issued to Remera Investments Ltd for expansion works at the Garissa Airstrip. The governor had initially requested an extension to the reporting date and eventually appeared on September 4.
The grilling places renewed scrutiny on the Garissa County administration at a time when accountability concerns continue to surface across devolved units nationwide. EACC has been conducting similar investigations in various counties, seeking to address persistent issues in procurement, recruitment, and use of devolved funds. While Governor Jama has denied any wrongdoing, the probe is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as investigators analyze documents, tender records, and staff payrolls. The EACC has not indicated when the inquiry will be concluded, but the outcome is likely to have far-reaching political and administrative implications for Garissa County’s leadership and financial governance.