County governors are under increased scrutiny after audit reports exposed major weaknesses in hospitals, water utilities, and municipalities.

The findings, contained in Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s reports for the year ending June 30, 2025, prompted the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee to question eight governors over two days — one of the most extensive accountability sessions since devolution.

The committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, heard from Mombasa, Trans Nzoia, Kilifi, and Kwale governors on Tuesday. Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Lamu, and Embu governors appeared a day earlier.

Audits showed many county hospitals lacked staff and essential equipment, while water utilities suffered heavy losses. Several municipalities were also hampered by governance and structural challenges.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha was questioned over non-revenue water, with 39 per cent of water produced unaccounted for, resulting in Sh21.26 million in lost revenue. He blamed ageing infrastructure, damaged pipes, faulty meters, and illegal connections, saying corrective measures were underway.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya faced questions over expired drugs at Kitale County Referral Hospital, supplied by KEMSA. He said the county had notified the agency and was awaiting its response on disposal.

Natembeya was also pressed over delays in the Sh1.6 billion Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, which was about 70 per cent complete by June 2025 despite Sh1.64 billion already spent.

In Tharaka Nithi, Governor Muthomi Njuki was questioned over staff shortages in county health facilities.