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Counties paid Sh5.19 billion through manual payroll despite Government Directive, Report Reveals

By
Binti Wangila
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Several county governments, including Wajir, Siaya and Nairobi, continued processing billions of shillings in salaries through manual payroll systems despite a government directive requiring a transition to the Human Resource Information System (HRIS), a new report has revealed.

According to a report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, county governments processed at least Sh5.19 billion through manual payroll systems between July 2025 and March 2026, raising concerns over accountability and the potential misuse of public funds.

The report shows that 43 counties continued using manual payroll systems during the review period, with some payments being processed through vouchers, a practice that experts warn could create opportunities for fraud and payments to non-existent employees.

Most of the manual payroll payments involved salaries for thousands of casual workers and top-up allowances for security personnel.

Wajir County recorded the highest amount paid outside the approved digital system, processing Sh480 million through manual payroll. Siaya County followed with Sh401.65 million, while Nairobi County processed Sh311 million outside the Human Resource Information System.

Other counties that recorded significant manual payroll expenditures included Mandera, which processed Sh300.53 million, Tharaka Nithi at Sh261.18 million, Nakuru at Sh251.48 million and Kitui at Sh202 million.

The report indicates that thousands of county employees continued receiving salaries outside the Human Resource Information System, despite an April 2024 directive requiring all counties to migrate their payroll systems to the digital platform by June 2025.

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o warned that continued reliance on manual payroll systems poses serious risks to public finances.

“Manual payroll is prone to abuse and may result in the loss of public funds. Counties with the highest shares of manual payroll were Siaya (13.8 per cent), Wajir (12.7 per cent), Tharaka Nithi (12.5 per cent) and Lamu (10.1 per cent),” said Nyakang’o.

In Siaya County, the administration of Governor James Orengo processed salaries for 1,811 casual workers through the manual payroll system, accounting for the county’s total manual payroll expenditure of Sh401.65 million.

Migori County, under Governor Ochilo Ayacko, paid 729 casual workers through the manual payroll system, while Marsabit County recorded 717 casual employees receiving salaries outside the digital platform.

Mandera County reported that 581 casual workers received Sh83.5 million through manual payroll during the reporting period. The county also spent Sh31 million on top-up allowances for security personnel.

Nakuru County, led by Governor Susan Kihika, continued paying 596 casual workers through manual payroll, while Busia County processed Sh82.4 million for 440 casual workers.

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma’s administration attributed the use of manual payroll to intermittent internet connectivity challenges and missing documentation from affected staff members.

The report further indicates that Lamu County processed Sh129.4 million through manual payroll, including Sh81.46 million paid to 534 casual workers.

Meru County processed Sh229 million outside the digital system, covering salaries for casual workers and top-up allowances for security personnel. Mombasa County, under Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, paid Sh207.94 million through manual payroll.

Kiambu County processed Sh136.13 million outside the Human Resource Information System, including Sh55.7 million paid to 4,220 casual workers. The county also spent Sh13.3 million on top-up allowances for 346 security personnel.

Kilifi County processed Sh84.17 million through manual payroll, including payments to casual staff and top-up allowances for national government security personnel deployed to the county.

Garissa County paid Sh12.27 million to 508 casual workers through manual payroll and spent an additional Sh7.2 million on security personnel allowances outside the digital system.

Elgeyo Marakwet County processed Sh160 million through manual payroll, including salaries for 113 casual workers and security personnel allowances amounting to Sh13.57 million and Sh3.48 million.

The report noted that Narok, Trans Nzoia, Turkana and Uasin Gishu were the only counties that reported no manual payroll payments during the period under review.

NTSA Clarifies Impending Mandate on Annual Private Vehicle Inspections Amid Public Debate

By
Vincent Amara
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Kenya Jun 29–The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a comprehensive clarification addressing public apprehensions and widespread inquiries surrounding the government’s upcoming directive to enforce mandatory annual safety inspections for private vehicles. The regulatory body announced that beginning July 1, all private vehicles older than four years will undergo compulsory yearly technical assessments at a standardized fee of Ksh.2,000 per vehicle, with commercial motorcycles similarly brought under the scope of mandatory compliance fees.

Amid mounting public friction and speculation, the NTSA clarified that specific inspection protocols will be meticulously calibrated according to different vehicle categories, urging citizens to verify official communiqués and refrain from disseminating misleading information.

To alleviate immediate anxieties among private motorists, the authority confirmed that traffic officers will not enforce these mandatory inspection certificates during routine road checks for the time being.

Similarly, administrators of school transport systems and commercial service vehicle operators will face no immediate punitive action or penalties for non-compliance during the initial phase.

“Information on enforcement and implementation of the aforementioned provisions/regulations will be communicated to the public in due course,” the Authority noted in its official statement.

The newly formulated inspection framework will also apply to locally assembled vehicles, vehicles undergoing structural or mechanical modifications, and those re-entering service following major road traffic accidents.

According to data provided by the NTSA, Kenya has a registry of over six million licensed vehicles. Based on the projected fee structure—which splits costs into a Ksh.1,000 booking fee and a Ksh.1,000 inspection fee—the state anticipates generating a minimum of Ksh.12 billion annually, assuming full compliance across eligible registration brackets.

NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa stated that the requirement for annual inspections is already firmly anchored in existing statutory legislation, though he acknowledged that a blanket 12-month timeline might present structural bottlenecks for high-mileage vehicles that spend considerable time on the road.

He further disclosed that the NTSA is aggressively expanding and upgrading its dedicated private vehicle inspection centers nationwide to scale up processing capacity ahead of the rollout.

However, the policy has drawn sharp rebuke from opposition figures. Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i and Democratic Congress for the People (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua criticized the directive, labeling it detached from the harsh economic realities confronting citizens already burdened by escalating fuel prices, insurance premiums, high school fees, and the rising cost of living.

Matiang’i has firmly demanded an immediate moratorium on the implementation of the policy until comprehensive public participation is conducted to resolve numerous unanswered structural questions.

He emphasized that the government must provide explicit transparency regarding the exact volume of vehicles impacted, verifiable revenue projections, data-driven proof that the measures will lower road mortality rates, and whether the NTSA possesses the institutional capacity to inspect millions of motorists without triggering catastrophic administrative delays.

“What safeguards are in place to ensure that this program does not become another avenue for rent-seeking and harassment of motorists?” he questioned in a statement released on Sunday.

Ultimately, this regulatory pivot underscores the shifting dynamics of Kenya’s transport sector as the state attempts to balance revenue generation with public safety imperatives. As the July deadline approaches, the success of the initiative will fundamentally hinge on the government’s capacity to address systemic transparency concerns and foster authentic public goodwill.

Museveni to Make Final Decision on Reopening Suspended Nation Media Group Outlets, Says Uganda’s Army Chief

By
Vincent Amara
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KAMPALA,Jun 29 –Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has said President Yoweri Museveni will make the final decision on a proposed arrangement that could pave the way for the reopening of Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets currently off air in Uganda, signaling a possible breakthrough in the ongoing dispute over the suspension of the media organization’s operations.

In a statement posted on X, Kainerugaba disclosed that discussions are underway with partners in the United Kingdom and Europe regarding the potential return of NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor. He indicated that the outcome of the negotiations would be submitted to President Museveni for final approval.

“As Mr. Andrew Mwenda stated, we are engaged in discussions with our partners in the United Kingdom and Europe regarding the reopening of NTV and the Daily Monitor,” Kainerugaba said.

“The outcome of these discussions will be presented to Mzee for his final approval,” he added, referring to President Museveni.

The remarks come amid growing scrutiny over the suspension of several Nation Media Group outlets in Uganda, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Dembe FM and KFM.

The broadcasters were taken off air following reports of a security operation allegedly linked to directives issued by Kainerugaba, prompting widespread criticism from media freedom advocates and opposition figures, who have raised concerns over press freedom and the independence of the country’s media landscape.

Earlier, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) said it was seeking “verified information” regarding the circumstances surrounding the suspension of the affected media outlets.

UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said consultations with relevant government agencies were ongoing and appealed to the public to remain calm as the regulator established the facts surrounding the incident.

The developments have intensified debate over media freedom and the extent of state influence on independent journalism in Uganda, with observers warning that the outcome of the discussions could have significant implications for the country’s democratic and media environment.

Nation Media Group is one of East Africa’s largest independent media organizations, operating television, radio, newspaper and digital news platforms across the region.

Media rights organizations have since renewed calls for greater transparency, urging Ugandan authorities to clarify the circumstances that led to the suspension of the outlets and to disclose the conditions under discussion for their return to broadcasting.

Nyanza Leaders Rally Behind Broad-Based Government, Urge Residents to Prioritize Development

By
Vincent Amara
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SIAYA,Kenya Jun 29 –Leaders from the Nyanza region have intensified their support for the Broad-Based Government, urging residents to embrace cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration instead of returning to opposition politics and street protests.

The leaders made the remarks during separate church fundraising events in Ugunja and Ugenya constituencies, arguing that direct engagement with the national government presents greater opportunities for development than political confrontation.

Among those present were Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Ugenya MP David Ochieng, Luanda MP David Maungu, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, and former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua. They dismissed criticism of the political partnership between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, describing the arrangement as beneficial to the region.

Speaking at Ngunya Catholic Church in Ugunja, Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi criticized recent remarks by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who had urged residents to reject the alliance with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Wandayi argued that President Ruto has consistently supported the region’s political aspirations over the years, citing his backing of Raila Odinga’s 2007 presidential bid.

“If being part of the government is considered a bad thing, then what is the better alternative? For many years, we fought to have a place in government. Today, the development agenda of Siaya County and the wider Nyanza region has been fully integrated into President Ruto’s plans,” Wandayi said.

He added that the region is now better positioned to influence national development priorities through Cabinet representation and closer collaboration with the national government.

At a separate fundraiser at St. Catherine Yogo Catholic Church in East Ugenya, Ugenya MP David Ochieng said the region should focus on securing influential Cabinet portfolios capable of driving economic transformation rather than pursuing political offices.

“As a community, it is more strategic to have key ministries such as Health, Agriculture, Finance and Water than to focus on the Deputy President’s position. These ministries have a direct impact on the lives of our people,” Ochieng said.

He added that the region would continue supporting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki while advocating for more strategic Cabinet positions for leaders from Nyanza.

“We want the country to see that when we are entrusted with responsibility, we deliver results,” he said.

Luanda MP David Maungu acknowledged that he had participated in anti-government demonstrations in 2023 and 2024 but said the protests had not addressed the region’s economic challenges.

“In 2023 and 2024, I joined the protests believing they would bring change. Looking back, they did not solve our problems. Today, if we need electricity or development projects, we can engage directly with Cabinet Secretaries such as Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi. We are now inside the system, and there is no reason to return to throwing stones from outside,” Maungu said.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita called on residents to take advantage of ongoing national government projects valued at more than KSh200 billion across the region.

He urged the government to prioritize local youth and contractors in implementing the projects, saying this would create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce unemployment.

“We want these investments to benefit our communities directly. Our young people must be empowered through employment and business opportunities so they are not easily manipulated for political gain,” Nyamita said.

Former Busia Woman Representative Florence Mutua also encouraged residents to remain committed to the Broad-Based Government, saying the arrangement accommodates diverse political interests while creating opportunities for inclusive development.

The leaders maintained that Nyanza’s future lies in constructive engagement with the national government, describing the partnership as a significant political shift for a region that has historically been associated with opposition politics.

Lydia Haika applauds President Ruto as village elders, set to receive monthly stipends

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Taita-Taveta Women Representative Lydia Haika

Taita-Taveta Women Representative Lydia Haika has lauded President William Ruto for assenting to the finance legislation that officially paves the way for village elders across the country to receive monthly stipends.

Speaking during a community empowerment event in Voi town, the lawmaker emphasized that the move is a historic milestone in recognizing the critical role grassroots administrators play in maintaining law, order, and community cohesion.

“Village elders are the first line of leadership at the grassroots level. They handle disputes, oversee security, and manage community affairs without any formal compensation. It is only fair that their dedication is rewarded with monthly stipends,” Haika stated.

The MP also extended her gratitude to her parliamentary colleagues who voted in favor of the bill, noting that the approved budget allocations will successfully fund the stipends alongside other key community development projects.

Beyond the village elders, Haika expressed great satisfaction with the government’s structured re-engagement and motivation package for Community Health Promoters (CHPs).

She noted that equipping and financially incentivizing CHPs would drastically improve healthcare delivery at the household level, boosting their morale to serve vulnerable populations.

“Our healthcare system relies heavily on these grassroots health champions. By ensuring they are well-catered for in the national government structure, the President has shown a true commitment to universal healthcare,” she added.

In her address, Haika further commended President Ruto for streamlining the Inua Jamii cash transfer program for senior citizens. She pointed out that under the new digitized system, elderly beneficiaries no longer have to travel long distances or endure grueling queues at distant banking centers to receive their stipends, as the funds are now more accessible within their localities.

The empowerment event culminated in the distribution of development cheques to various women and youth self-help groups, alongside the issuance of tents

Kingi, Mvurya lead pro-government charge to consolidate Coast vote for 2027

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, during a community empowerment meeting in Voi town

With exactly 13 months left before the 2027 General Election, pro-government leaders from the Coast region have launched a major political sensitization campaign aimed at uniting the region’s vote behind the ruling administration.

The campaign, spearheaded by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, seeks to alter the Coast’s traditional political leanings and consolidate its bargaining power under a single political front.

Speaking during a community empowerment meeting in Voi town, Taita-Taveta County, Speaker Kingi lamented that fractured voting patterns across the coastal counties have historically isolated the region, leaving it starved of critical development.

“The Coast region has routinely split its votes across different political divides, and this political fragmentation is exactly why we continue to lag behind in terms of national development,” Speaker Kingi said.

To rectify this, Kingi announced that the pro-government brigade will roll out a structured series of consultative forums spanning all constituencies across the Coast to ensure the region approaches the 2027 polls with a unified stance.

The Senate Speaker urged residents to firmly back the current administration, citing a tangible track record of state-backed transformation. According to Kingi, the Coast region has witnessed development projects worth Sh340 billion in the slightly over three years the current government has been in power.

“We must speak with one voice if we want to secure our rightful place at the national negotiating table,” Kingi emphasized.

His sentiments were strongly echoed by the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, who is also one of the region’s senior-most national leaders.

Mvurya cautioned residents of Taita-Taveta and the wider Coast block against falling prey to political rhetoric from the opposition, which he claimed is designed to derail the region’s upward trajectory.

“Do not allow yourselves to be misled or politically manipulated by opposition figures who have nothing to offer. Our focus must remain on development and strategic political alignment,” Mvurya said.

The high-profile meeting signals the official start of a high-stakes battle for the soul of the Coast region, as the ruling alliance moves to dismantle opposition dominance ahead of the 2027 general election.

Garissa’s electricity capacity double as government installs new transformer

By
Binti Wangila
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The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Alex Kamau Wachira, yesterday visited Garissa County to inspect a new transformer that has been delivered to the region to help address the persistent power outages that have affected the county.


Speaking at Raya area in Garissa town, Mr. Wachira said that Garissa and its surrounding areas had experienced electricity rationing for a long period due to limited power supply capacity of about 15 megawatts, a situation that posed challenges to electricity consumers in Garissa town and neighboring Madogo.


However, he assured residents that with the installation of the new transformer, electricity supply capacity has increased from 15 megawatts to 30 megawatts, a move expected to significantly improve power reliability in the region.


Mr. Wachira further announced that Dadaab town will no longer rely on Kenya Power generators, as it will be connected to the national electricity grid through a power line from Garissa town.


Additionally, he noted that Wajir County is no longer experiencing major electricity rationing challenges after the government secured an alternative power supplier, a move that has helped stabilize electricity supply in the county.


He also urged residents of Wajir County to remain patient as the government works on plans to extend a power transmission line from Garissa to Wajir in the near future.

Marsabit County pledges contingency plan as el nino rains, dry spell loom

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Marsabit County Deputy governor, Solomon Gubo (second left with specs) & Marsabit County NDMA coordinator, Mr. Guyo Golicha (Far right) During CSC meeting in Marsabit town.

Marsabit residents urged to prepare for el nino rains amid upcoming severe dry spell

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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File Photo: Mr. John Nguyo-Marsabit & Isiolo County Director of Meteorology Department

Marsabit County residents have been strongly advised to begin early preparations for expected El Niño rains, which are projected to hit the region between September and December 2026.

Speaking during a Marsabit County Steering Group (CSG) meeting, the Director of the Meteorology Department for Marsabit and Isiolo Counties, Mr. John Nguyo, revealed that weather forecasts point to October and December as the peak months for the heaviest downpours.

During this crucial window, both the volume and frequency of rainfall are anticipated to rise sharply across the county.

Mr. Nguyo issued a stern warning that the intensified rainfall could trigger widespread flash floods, cause major rivers to overflow, and severely damage local infrastructure. This elevated flood risk is expected to persist for three to four months. In light of these threats, the meteorology director urged residents to immediately avoid settling near known flood-prone areas and seasonal riverbeds—locally referred to as lagas that have historically burst their banks during heavy downpours.

Beyond immediate safety concerns, the department highlighted the broader risks El Niño poses to public health and logistics, noting that the rains could destroy vital road networks and spark waterborne disease outbreaks.

To mitigate these disasters, Mr. Nguyo identified the specific zones most likely to be hardest hit and called upon both the Marsabit County and national governments to reinforce critical infrastructure.

He further emphasized the urgent need for governments to invest in robust emergency response services and launch aggressive public awareness campaigns to protect lives and property.

Paradoxically, before the heavy rains arrive, Marsabit County is bracing for a prolonged and severe dry spell during the upcoming June to September 2026 (JJAS) season. According to the Meteorological Department, most parts of Marsabit are set to record higher-than-average temperatures paired with below-normal rainfall.

Mr. Nguyo warned that these harsh, dry conditions will severely affect water availability for both human consumption and livestock, while simultaneously disrupting rain-fed agricultural activities.

While highland areas around Mount Marsabit and regions bordering Ethiopia may receive sporadic rainfall, the vast majority of the lowland areas are expected to remain entirely dry for an extended period.

Over 300 die as Ebola outbreak intensifies in DR Congo

By
Binti Wangila
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More than 300 people have died from an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as the country intensifies efforts to contain the deadly disease.

According to a statement from the DRC’s Ministry of Communication and Media, a total of1,155 people have been confirmed infected with Ebola, 304 have died from the disease, and 326 others are either in isolation or receiving treatment.

The DRC has implemented strict measures to curb the spread of the virus, particularly for people traveling from Ebola-affected areas.

Under regulations signed by Health Minister Roger Kamba on Wednesday, healthcare workers, laboratory personnel, and emergency response teams returning from Ebola-affected areas are required to self-isolate for 21 days. They are also prohibited from traveling within or outside the country during the isolation period.

The Ebola outbreak, which was declared in mid-May this year, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved specific treatment.

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