Cherargei flags corruption, voiding of payments in counties
Senator Cherargei explained during an interview at Radio Generation on Wednesday that payments from the National Treasury are often manipulated through a system known as voiding of payments, allowing governors to favor certain suppliers while leaving legitimate suppliers unpaid.
Senator Samson Cherargei has raised concerns over mismanagement and corruption in county governments, citing cases where public funds are diverted from genuine suppliers to politically connected individuals.
He explained during an interview at Radio Generation on Wednesday that payments from the National Treasury are often manipulated through a system known as voiding of payments, allowing governors to favor certain suppliers while leaving legitimate suppliers unpaid.
“Because they know the money that comes from the National Treasury is under requisition. The Governors will pay the politically right suppliers, leaving out the genuine suppliers,” Cherargei said.
The senator cited Nandi County, where up to Sh700 million were affected by such fictitious payments.
He also referenced the Kericho impeachment case, where Sh85 million was misappropriated through companies that did not deliver goods or services, forming part of charges that led to an impeachment.
The UDA Senator clarified the Senate’s role in impeachment proceedings.
“We( Senate) don’t impeach; we are a trial chamber. Impeachment happens at the county assembly. We only try those impeachment charges,” he added.
Cherargei warned that revenue leakages in counties are often intentional and worsened by unclear ownership of digitized revenue systems.
He noted that some counties pay up to 15% agency fees to third parties managing these revenues, creating further opportunities for corruption.
The Senator also highlighted challenges in the county taxation system, pointing to cases of double taxation that hinder business growth.
“There is an element of also double taxation that is affecting the growth of business in the country,” Cherargei said.
He stressed that county taxes should be progressive rather than retrogressive to support economic development.
To address these issues, Cherargei said the Senate is engaging with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to monitor county-level corruption and revenue leakages.
He also called for a legal framework between counties and the National Treasury to ensure proper management of funds.
“We have told the Controller of Budget that this issue of waiting of payments must stop, because that is how counties are misappropriating and stealing funds,” Cherargei concluded.
