Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif found himself under intense scrutiny from the Senate Public Accounts Committee after struggling to convincingly account for millions in emergency funds, including a controversial KSh 55.9 million allocation for tree seedlings in one of Kenya’s most arid regions.
Appearing before the committee to address Auditor General queries on the 2024/2025 financial statements, Governor Khalif faced sharp questions over the county’s handling of approximately KSh 449 million in emergency-related expenditures. Senators expressed disbelief at the decision to channel KSh 55.9 million toward purchasing seedlings amid perennial drought conditions that make large-scale tree planting challenging without substantial irrigation support.
“What type of seedlings were you buying in a county that faces perennial drought?” one senator pressed, highlighting the apparent mismatch between the expenditure and Mandera’s harsh environmental reality. The governor appeared unable to immediately provide detailed evidence, such as traceable records, test results, or proof of distribution and survival rates for the seedlings. Committee members described the responses as vague, prompting demands for transparency on how the funds translated into tangible benefits for residents.
The scrutiny extended beyond the seedlings. Governor Khalif explained that KSh 349 million (part of broader relief figures cited around KSh 382 million) went toward relief food during the drought crisis, while KSh 32.8 million supported water trucking efforts to deliver essential supplies to remote areas. Additional queries touched on unsupported expenditures, including millions in vehicle maintenance lacking proper documentation.
The committee voiced grave concerns that Mandera had failed to establish a formal Emergency Fund as required by law, despite recurrent droughts and emergencies being a fixture in the region. In response, senators directed the Auditor General to launch a comprehensive audit of all emergency-related spending, encompassing relief food, refugee assistance, water trucking, seedlings, and even KSh 459 million on scholarships and educational benefits.
Public reaction has been swift, with citizens and online commentators questioning priorities in a county where water scarcity, food insecurity, and basic infrastructure remain pressing needs. Critics argue the seedling expenditure could have funded dozens of early childhood development centers or expanded water access projects.
Governor Khalif and his team have maintained that the funds were used for intended purposes, but the grilling has intensified calls for greater accountability in devolved governance. As the audit unfolds, Mandera residents await clearer answers on how emergency resources are truly serving one of Kenya’s most vulnerable counties.
