Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has called for stronger parliamentary oversight of public funds allocated to climate change emergency responses, warning against the abuse of emergency procurement procedures and alleged profiteering by politically connected suppliers.
Senator Mungatana made the remarks during a two-day meeting of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) East African Regional Caucus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The meeting focused on advancing parliamentary action on climate change and water security, aligning with the African Union’s theme of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
In his contribution, Senator Mungatana emphasized accountability in public spending during climate-related disasters, citing emergency responses involving floods, displacement, medical supplies, mosquito nets, and food relief in Tana River County and across Kenya.
He raised concerns over the abuse of emergency procurement processes, arguing that the current system allows for personal financial gain. Specifically, he alleged that emergency supplies are frequently overpriced, politically connected suppliers are favored, and supply contracts are deliberately split into smaller values to evade stricter procurement thresholds and scrutiny.
He also highlighted the lack of accountability for funds raised or allocated during crises, stressing the need for robust mechanisms to ensure resources reach targeted communities.
“We should guard against climate change emergency procurement profiteers,” Mungatana said.
To address these vulnerabilities, he urged the East African Parliamentary Caucus to push for a regional dashboard outlining benchmark prices for common emergency goods and services. Any significant price deviations from the benchmark would require justification and trigger enhanced scrutiny.
According to Mungatana, this framework would strengthen transparency without compromising the speed of humanitarian responses.
The workshop brought together parliamentarians from across East Africa to examine how legislation, parliamentary oversight, climate financing, and regional cooperation can tackle climate and water-security challenges.
The opening session featured remarks by PAP First Vice President Dr. Ashebir Gayo and welcoming remarks by East African Regional Caucus Chairperson Amb. Emmanuel Lowilla. A solidarity message was delivered by Amb. Bridgette Motsepe, and the workshop was officially opened by Rt. Hon. Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives.
Participating delegations included representatives from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.
The meeting concluded with a unified East African parliamentary response, recommendations to the PAP Bureau and relevant African Union organs, and a Parliamentary Framework for Action.
Senator Mungatana’s intervention highlights the critical link between emergency fund management and overall climate resilience, as regional governments face growing pressure to mitigate extreme weather impacts such as floods, displacement, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks.
Delegations also joined in celebrating Ethiopia’s New Year during their stay in Addis Ababa.
