Busia County Assembly Faces Scrutiny Over Rising Wage Bill Amid Staff Gaps
Busia County Assembly is under intense scrutiny following revelations that its wage bill surged sharply from Sh252 million in 2023-24 to Sh358 million in 2024-25, despite no new hires being made. The matter was raised during a Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget session with Busia County officials, including Governor Paul Otuoma, on October 9, 2025. Chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, the committee demanded explanations for the unexplained increase in employee compensation, noting that critical positions such as legal advisors and researchers remain unfilled, while the Assembly maintains 11 drivers for just two vehicles.
During the session, acting Assembly Clerk Gabriel Erambo explained that the wage increase was largely due to the payment of pending pensions to staff. However, Senators questioned the legitimacy of Erambo’s appointment as acting clerk, citing that a substantive deputy clerk already exists and could fulfill the role. Assembly Speaker Frederick Wafula Odilo defended the decision, highlighting Erambo’s seniority and financial expertise, and referencing previous Senate recommendations for a clerk with accounting experience. Erambo further clarified that his appointment followed a court case involving the substantive clerk, who had been suspended. The committee pressed for documentation to ensure appointments and dismissals were not influenced by travel or salary approvals.
The Senate also raised concerns over Busia County’s ballooning pending bills, which have escalated to Sh2.6 billion, up by Sh1.12 billion in a single year, and questioned poor own-source revenue collection, estimated at Sh1.8 billion potential. Vice-chair Tabitha Mutinda highlighted discrepancies, noting that the county had requisitioned Sh683 million from the Controller of Budget for pending bills but only disbursed Sh432 million, suggesting possible financial mismanagement. The committee’s probing underscores growing concern over transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline within Busia County’s governance structures.