County Assembly adopts two inspection reports exposing poor workmanship and weak supervision, raising fresh questions over accountability and value for taxpayers’ money.
Governor Julius Malombe’s administration is facing fresh scrutiny over county-funded development projects after the Kitui County Assembly adopted two reports highlighting poor workmanship and inadequate supervision by ministry engineers.
The reports, adopted on Wednesday during the Bunge Mashinani sittings at Zombe Huduma Centre, have placed the implementation of public projects under the spotlight, with MCAs questioning whether taxpayers are getting value for their money.
📊 Channel 15 News Opinion Poll
Prepared by the Assembly’s Committee on Lands, Infrastructure and Urban Development, the reports followed inspection visits to projects undertaken during the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years.
Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) expressed concern over weaknesses in project implementation, particularly inadequate supervision by ministry engineers, warning that poor monitoring could compromise the quality of public infrastructure.
The legislators called for tighter oversight, proposing greater involvement of Project Management Committees to ensure contractors stick to approved Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and deliver work that meets the required standards.
Photo: County Government of Kitui.
They also raised concerns over project budgeting, arguing that geographical differences, accessibility and transportation costs should be factored into construction estimates, especially in remote areas.
The inspection exercises were conducted between June 8 and 12, 2026, and August 17 and 21, 2026.
Photo: Kitui County Assembly.
The reports were moved by Chuluni MCA Mathew Ngovi Vuthi and seconded by Tharaka MCA Godfrey Muthengi Ndagara and Kyome/Thaana MCA Alphonse Musyimi Mukwayu.
Mutomo drowning in garbage
In another worrying finding, the Assembly raised concerns over poor waste management in county urban centres, singling out Mutomo Town, where heaps of uncollected garbage have become widespread.
The situation was identified as a threat to public health and environmental cleanliness, while also affecting businesses and the town’s general appearance.
The findings add to growing scrutiny of service delivery under the county administration, particularly the management of basic public services.
Health department also put on the spot
The latest developments came a day after the Assembly’s joint committees questioned Health and Sanitation CECM Ruth Koki over non-operational dispensaries, healthcare financing and preparedness to handle snakebite emergencies.
Responding to concerns raised by Mutonguni MCA Benjamin Ndambu Mulandi, Koki said Kangondi Dispensary had been operationalised, while other facilities would be opened progressively depending on available resources.
Photo: Kitui County Assembly.
She further disclosed that Mulundi Dispensary in Kyangwithya East Ward, currently situated within a school compound, was earmarked for relocation, with funding being prioritised in the 2027/2028 financial year budget.
On healthcare financing, Koki reported revenue accruals of KSh1.387 billion against actual collections of KSh1.031 billion as of September 30, 2026, under the Facility Improvement Financing Act, 2026.
She also assured the committees that health facilities across all 40 wards had adequate anti-venom supplies to handle snakebite cases.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s sitting also hosted learners from Malatani Comprehensive School in Zombe-Mwitika Ward, who later interacted with Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya on leadership, education and public service.
The sitting was presided over by Deputy Speaker Christopher Nzilu Nzioka.
With the two reports now formally adopted, attention shifts to the county administration and what action will follow the findings. Will the responsible departments be required to explain the shortcomings, and what measures will be taken to ensure that public projects meet the standards expected by taxpayers?
For residents, the bigger question remains whether the Assembly’s findings will translate into corrective action or end up as another set of reports gathering dust.
