Kenyan MPs Reject Auditor-General’s NG-CDF Bursary Report, Summon Nancy Gathungu for Clarification

Nairobi, July 29, 2025 — Members of Parliament on the National Assembly’s Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee have flatly rejected the findings in Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu’s 2023/2024 NG‑CDF audit report, which implicated several MPs in misappropriation from bursary allocations. Instead, MPs argue the irregularities flagged should be attributed to Fund Account Managers, who are tasked with implementing the fund at the constituency level.

Key Dispute Points

• Role Clarity: MPs, led by Committee Chair Gideon Mulyungi, maintained they do not implement or distributeNG‑CDF funds; their constitutional role is limited to oversight and audit of Fund Account Managers.

• Examples of Discrepancies: The Auditor-General’s report unveiled stark anomalies, including unaccounted bursary funds—such as Ksh 44 million in Kapseret (MP Oscar Sudi) and Ksh 52 million in Lang’ata (MP Felix Odiwuor)—as well as issues with stalled projects, improper documentation, and double payments.

• Media Repercussions: Lawmakers accused both the Auditor-General and parts of the media of misrepresenting facts and unfairly tarnishing their reputations, while urging more responsible and factual reporting in future.

Next Steps

The committee has scheduled a summons for Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu to appear before Parliament. They expect her to clarify the methodology behind her findings and address what MPs view as persistent inaccuracies in her reports.

Why This Matters

This unfolding exchange underscores broader debates on accountability in public finance and the importance of accuracy in both audit processes and media coverage.