Nakuru County Officials Seek Extension in Sh 22 Million Legal Fee Probe

Officials from Nakuru County Government have formally asked the Ethics and Anti‑Corruption Commission (EACC) for more time to respond to investigations into alleged irregular payments of Sh 22 million to private law firms. The commission had summoned eight senior officers following audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor‑General about uncontracted legal services.
The probe centers on suspected unauthorized payments made by the Nanguru County legal services department, which reportedly paid different law firms without documented approval from the County Attorney. The Auditor-General’s 2023-24 report raised concerns that standard procurement and approval protocols were bypassed. During her appearance before the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Governor Susan Kihika referred the matter to the County Attorney for clarification.
In response to the summons, the county officers requested a short extension to gather and organise the required documents. The EACC agreed and granted them an additional week to appear before its regional office. The commission has yet to publish the names of the recipients of the payments or the law firms involved. Civil society groups are watching the developments closely, viewing the case as a litmus test for accountability within the devolved government sector.
Looking ahead, the next phase will involve the officials submitting documentation, followed by formal interviews and, if necessary, the filing of charges. The outcome of the probe could have wider implications for financial management in county governments across Kenya, potentially prompting stronger oversight of legal-service contracting and public-fund disbursement in the devolved units.