Kenyan senators demand audit of stalled US$3.2M Moisoy maize milling plant
KENYA – The Kenyan Senate’s County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee has called for a full audit of the Moisoy maize milling plant in Uasin Gishu County, amid allegations of financial mismanagement and a stalled construction timeline.
Initially launched in 2019 under former Governor Jackson Mandago, now a senator, the project, valued at KES 477 million (US$3.16 million), aimed to support more than 20,000 local farmers by providing maize processing facilities to enhance income through value addition.
However, the project has stalled, with only partial completion, despite significant investment from both the county government and farmers through their cooperative society.
Senator Godfrey Osotsi, chair of the committee, highlighted discrepancies in financial records and the mill’s current status.
Speaking after a site visit to Soy Sub-County, he expressed concern over the lack of progress and called on Auditor General Nancy Gathungu to investigate fund utilization.
“The Auditor General will help us clarify the financial inconsistencies and reveal the actual spending on this project,” said Osotsi.
He was accompanied by senators William Kisang, Tabitha Mitinda, Hamida Kibwana, and county officials, including Governor Jonathan Bii.
The project’s funding involved a county government loan of KES 285 million (US$1.89 million) and a KES 192 million (US$1.27 million) contribution from local farmers through a cooperative.
However, African Grain Care Equipment Limited, the contractor, halted work, citing financial constraints and the need for additional funds to complete the project’s electrical installations.
The contractor’s Managing Director, Michael Kebenei, has committed to completing the facility within three months if the remaining funds are made available.
This stalled project has underscored ongoing issues of financial mismanagement in Kenya’s public development projects.
Similar concerns have been raised around other incomplete projects, such as the Kigoto maize milling plant in Homa Bay, where significant public investment has not translated into operational facilities.
However, Governor Bii has proposed an additional KES 100 million (US$664,000) to finish the Moisoy plant, aiming to expedite the facility’s operation to support regional food security and provide a consistent income stream for local farmers.
The upcoming audit is anticipated to bring clarity on fund management and set accountability standards for future projects in the region.
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