Kenyan MPs Demand Accountability as Equalisation Fund Board Faces Scrutiny for Mismanaged Projects
Quote from Lawyer on July 18, 2025, 12:45 pmIn a heated parliamentary session, Members of Parliament (MPs) expelled the Equalisation Fund Board from a committee meeting, citing gross mismanagement of billions of shillings intended for critical development projects in marginalized regions. The funds, meant to improve access to water, roads, health facilities, and electricity, have allegedly been misused on questionable initiatives, prompting lawmakers to demand immediate reforms and accountability.
The Equalisation Fund, established to address historical inequalities in Kenya's underserved areas, has come under fire for channeling resources into projects like pavement cabro installations and street lighting, which MPs argue deviate from the fund's core mandate. These projects, described as superficial by some legislators, have raised concerns about misplaced priorities, as communities in remote regions continue to lack essential services like clean water, functional health centers, and reliable electricity.
During the session, MPs expressed frustration over what they described as misleading reports submitted by the Equalisation Fund Board. These reports allegedly overstated project progress and failed to provide clear evidence of how funds were utilized. Lawmakers accused the board of presenting incomplete or fabricated data, undermining parliamentary oversight and eroding public trust in the fund's operations. The committee, tasked with reviewing the board's activities, was particularly incensed by the lack of transparency in financial records, which made it impossible to verify the status of numerous projects.
One MP highlighted a specific case where funds allocated for water infrastructure in a marginalized county were reportedly diverted to urban beautification projects. This misallocation, the MP argued, left thousands of residents without access to clean water, exacerbating health and sanitation challenges. Other legislators pointed to incomplete health facilities and unconnected power lines, despite significant budgetary allocations, as evidence of systemic inefficiencies within the board's operations.
The committee's decision to eject the board from the meeting underscores the severity of the allegations. MPs described the move as a necessary step to send a strong message about the need for accountability in public fund management. They demanded a comprehensive audit of all Equalisation Fund projects, with a focus on identifying irregularities and holding responsible parties accountable. Some legislators called for the dissolution of the current board and the appointment of new leadership to restore credibility to the fund.
Public reaction, as reflected in recent discussions on social media, has been one of outrage. Kenyans have expressed dismay at the apparent misuse of resources meant to uplift marginalized communities, with many calling for criminal investigations into the board's activities. The controversy has also reignited debates about the effectiveness of the Equalisation Fund, with some questioning whether its structure and oversight mechanisms are fit for purpose.
The Equalisation Fund was created under Kenya's 2010 Constitution to address disparities in development across the country, particularly in regions historically neglected by successive governments. Over the years, it has been tasked with financing projects that bridge gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. However, persistent challenges, including delays in fund disbursement and allegations of corruption, have hindered its impact.
As the parliamentary committee prepares to summon the board for further questioning, MPs have vowed to pursue sanctions against those found culpable. They have also called on the Auditor General to expedite a detailed investigation into the fund's financial records. The outcome of this probe could have far-reaching implications for the Equalisation Fund's future and the broader fight against mismanagement in Kenya's public sector.
For now, the people of Kenya's marginalized regions continue to wait for the promised development, as lawmakers push for transparency and accountability to ensure that public funds serve their intended purpose.
In a heated parliamentary session, Members of Parliament (MPs) expelled the Equalisation Fund Board from a committee meeting, citing gross mismanagement of billions of shillings intended for critical development projects in marginalized regions. The funds, meant to improve access to water, roads, health facilities, and electricity, have allegedly been misused on questionable initiatives, prompting lawmakers to demand immediate reforms and accountability.
The Equalisation Fund, established to address historical inequalities in Kenya's underserved areas, has come under fire for channeling resources into projects like pavement cabro installations and street lighting, which MPs argue deviate from the fund's core mandate. These projects, described as superficial by some legislators, have raised concerns about misplaced priorities, as communities in remote regions continue to lack essential services like clean water, functional health centers, and reliable electricity.
During the session, MPs expressed frustration over what they described as misleading reports submitted by the Equalisation Fund Board. These reports allegedly overstated project progress and failed to provide clear evidence of how funds were utilized. Lawmakers accused the board of presenting incomplete or fabricated data, undermining parliamentary oversight and eroding public trust in the fund's operations. The committee, tasked with reviewing the board's activities, was particularly incensed by the lack of transparency in financial records, which made it impossible to verify the status of numerous projects.
One MP highlighted a specific case where funds allocated for water infrastructure in a marginalized county were reportedly diverted to urban beautification projects. This misallocation, the MP argued, left thousands of residents without access to clean water, exacerbating health and sanitation challenges. Other legislators pointed to incomplete health facilities and unconnected power lines, despite significant budgetary allocations, as evidence of systemic inefficiencies within the board's operations.
The committee's decision to eject the board from the meeting underscores the severity of the allegations. MPs described the move as a necessary step to send a strong message about the need for accountability in public fund management. They demanded a comprehensive audit of all Equalisation Fund projects, with a focus on identifying irregularities and holding responsible parties accountable. Some legislators called for the dissolution of the current board and the appointment of new leadership to restore credibility to the fund.
Public reaction, as reflected in recent discussions on social media, has been one of outrage. Kenyans have expressed dismay at the apparent misuse of resources meant to uplift marginalized communities, with many calling for criminal investigations into the board's activities. The controversy has also reignited debates about the effectiveness of the Equalisation Fund, with some questioning whether its structure and oversight mechanisms are fit for purpose.
The Equalisation Fund was created under Kenya's 2010 Constitution to address disparities in development across the country, particularly in regions historically neglected by successive governments. Over the years, it has been tasked with financing projects that bridge gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. However, persistent challenges, including delays in fund disbursement and allegations of corruption, have hindered its impact.
As the parliamentary committee prepares to summon the board for further questioning, MPs have vowed to pursue sanctions against those found culpable. They have also called on the Auditor General to expedite a detailed investigation into the fund's financial records. The outcome of this probe could have far-reaching implications for the Equalisation Fund's future and the broader fight against mismanagement in Kenya's public sector.
For now, the people of Kenya's marginalized regions continue to wait for the promised development, as lawmakers push for transparency and accountability to ensure that public funds serve their intended purpose.