Mombasa County Leadership Appears Before Senate Committee on Financial Audit Reports

By Feddy Madebe

The coastal county’s top leadership appeared before a Senate oversight committee Tuesday to address financial accountability questions stemming from the national auditor’s examination of public institutions under county jurisdiction.

Governor Abdulswamad Ali represented the devolved unit during proceedings convened by the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, with Senator Godfrey Osotsi presiding over the session.

The parliamentary inquiry centers on financial documentation covering the 2024/2025 fiscal period for several health facilities operating under county management. The institutions under review include Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, Tudor District Hospital, Port Reitz Sub-County Hospital, Mrima Maternity Hospital, and Likoni Sub-County Hospital. Additionally, the committee is scrutinizing records from Mombasa Water and Sanitation Company, a utility entity providing essential services to county residents.

The Auditor-General’s reports form the basis of the committee’s examination, which represents a constitutional mandate to ensure proper utilization of devolved funds and adherence to financial regulations governing county operations.

Speaking following the engagement, Governor Ali emphasized his administration’s willingness to work collaboratively with legislative oversight mechanisms. He underscored the county government’s commitment to maintaining transparency in financial operations and ensuring accountability in the management of public resources allocated to the coastal region.

The governor indicated that his administration would maintain open communication channels with the Senate and other statutory oversight bodies tasked with monitoring devolved government functions. He framed the engagement as part of ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery systems and demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds.

Senate committee examinations of county financial statements represent a critical component of Kenya’s devolved governance framework, designed to strengthen accountability at the grassroots level and ensure that public institutions meet established financial management standards.

The committee is expected to issue findings and recommendations following its comprehensive review of the submitted financial documentation and testimonies from county officials.