Tuesday, 18 March, 2025
Makueni Water Companies under Senate scrutiny over auditor general’s report𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds held a meeting with Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and his executives to interrogate the Auditor General’s findings on the financial statements of Wote Municipality and the county’s three main water companies—Wote Water, Makindu-Kibwezi Water and Mbooni Water for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The Auditor General’s report flagged several financial mismanagement issues, including excessive non-revenue water, outdated tariffs, long-standing debts and questionable financial practices. Senators expressed their displeasure, particularly regarding the failure of the companies to manage resources effectively.
“This report reveals shocking inefficiencies in Makueni’s water companies. Kibwezi-Makindu Water recorded a non-revenue water loss of 58%, way above the 25% threshold. Meanwhile, Mbooni Water has no clear debt recovery policy, leaving millions uncollected. Governor, how does your administration allow this level of mismanagement?” questioned Committee Vice Chair Senator Eddy Oketch.
In response, Governor Mutula defended the county’s efforts, attributing the losses to infrastructure challenges and external factors. “We acknowledge the issues raised, but we must also recognize that our water infrastructure is ageing, leading to high leakages. We have embarked on major rehabilitation projects to reduce these inefficiencies,” the governor explained.
Senator Godfrey Osotsi, chair of the committee, raised concerns over financial irregularities, including unconfirmed customer deposits in Wote Water Company and the failure to settle long-standing debts. “The company’s financial statements do not reconcile with its bank records, leaving over Kshs. 3.6 million in unexplained variances. Why should the residents of Makueni trust a system that cannot account for its own revenue?” senator Osotsi pressed.
Governor Mutula assured the committee that corrective measures were being implemented. “We have initiated debt recovery frameworks and applied for revised tariffs from the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) to ensure sustainability,” he stated.
The committee directed the Makueni County Government to submit a detailed report outlining concrete steps to implement the audit recommendations. “We expect clear timelines on infrastructure rehabilitation, debt recovery, and governance reforms. The Senate will not allow continued mismanagement of public utilities,” Senator Oketch concluded.
The session underscored the Senate’s commitment to financial accountability in county entities, with the expectation that Makueni will address the highlighted concerns swiftly to improve water service delivery to its residents.