Senator Samson Cherargei turned the spotlight on Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya when he questioned the frequent changes in the office of the Receiver of Revenue. He pressed to know why the county had no permanent officer and if the exits were linked to revenue misconduct.
Governor George Natembeya admitted his county had struggled to appoint a substantive Receiver of Revenue. He explained that several attempts had failed, leaving the office to be handled by officers in acting capacity. He revealed the current acting officer had been in the role for about six months.
Senator Johnson Sakaja, who chaired the County Public Accounts Committee, also took issue with the gaps in revenue management. He warned that the absence of a permanent Receiver of Revenue could create weak points in the county’s financial systems.
Governor George Natembeya defended his administration’s efforts. He said the changes in the office were part of an ongoing push to tighten controls and improve how resources were managed. He maintained that the county was committed to filling the position substantively.
Senator Enoch Wambua shifted the discussion back to slaughterhouse income. He questioned why the county had collected only Ksh 38,000 in receipts. He humorously asked if people of Trans Nzoia did not eat meat, or if most of them were Seventh-Day Adventists. His remarks sparked laughter in the room.
Governor George Natembeya struggled to explain the figures. He suggested the income was low because fewer animals were taken for slaughter during the period in question. He admitted he could not give a firm reason beyond that.
Senator Wambua’s lighthearted remark lifted the mood, but the issue remained serious as the committee pressed on accountability. The figures were seen as far too low for a county of Trans Nzoia’s size.
Governor George Natembeya continued to face grilling as senators demanded answers both on revenue collection and staffing gaps. He insisted his administration was working to resolve the challenges.
Governor George Natembeya left the session with the assurance that reforms in his county’s financial management were underway, even as senators pushed for clarity on missing revenue and unfilled offices.
By Nairobi