Members of Parliament have initiated an inquiry into the expenditure of millions of shillings on water projects that remain non-operational despite being certified complete. The investigation targets projects across four counties where contractors were paid in full, but residents still lack access to water.

The Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy, chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing, is leading the probe following an audit report highlighting these discrepancies. The committee focused on the management of the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Authority, whose CEO Jackline Kemunto appeared before MPs to explain the situation.

Audit Findings and Project Failures

  • An audit covering the 2018/19 to 2024/25 financial years revealed several projects had received payments and completion certificates but were not delivering water services.
  • Site visits in June 2025 found that boreholes drilled at locations such as Mabera Primary School (costing Sh6,057,862), Alara Nyambija Catholic Church (Sh4,300,820), Isoge Water Supply Project (Sh8,465,222), and Ramasha Borehole Phase II (Sh6,034,527) were either dry or non-functional.
  • A borehole drilled at Kikimirai Central Primary School in Bomet County under a Sh2.2 million contract also failed to provide water.

Challenges Cited by Water Authority

CEO Kemunto informed the committee that some projects became dysfunctional after electricity was disconnected or equipment broke down due to inadequate maintenance. She noted that upkeep costs were high and often beyond the capacity of local water management committees. Recovering operational costs remains a significant hurdle for many rural water schemes.

Legal and Financial Implications

MP Pkosing emphasized that the failure of these projects violates Section 79(2)(b) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, which mandates effective and economical use of public resources to deliver intended benefits. The committee is pressing for accountability and remedial actions to ensure public funds translate into tangible improvements in water access for affected communities.