Isiolo Governor on the Spot for Unlawful Hiring and Budget Irregularities
Tensions escalated during the hearing as Governor Guyo clashed with Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, with the exchange eventually being halted to restore order.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo under fire for allegedly hiring 36 advisors in breach of SRC guidelines, raising concerns over county spending. Photo/Nairobi Law Monthly.
By Juliet Jerotich
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo has come under intense scrutiny over alleged irregularities in hiring and expenditure within the county government.
The governor is accused of unlawfully hiring 36 advisors—reportedly the highest number in any county—against the recommendations of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
In a report tabled before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, the Auditor General revealed that Isiolo County spends a staggering 47% of its budget on wages, a figure far above the legally acceptable threshold.
The report noted that the wage burden is depriving residents of crucial development projects and essential services.
The governor is also on the spot for appointing 31 chief officers, a move that exceeds the approved number of 18. Additionally, the county government currently has 15 County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), each earning Ksh 255,000 monthly.
The Auditor General’s review of Isiolo County’s financial statements for the 2023/2024 fiscal year flagged at least 35 concerns, highlighting deep-rooted accountability issues.
Among them is a questionable Ksh 98.5 million contract for the development of the Isiolo County Plan. The Senate committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, questioned the decision to disqualify a lower bidder, citing that the reason given—that the quotation was too low to guarantee proper delivery—was not justifiable.
Tensions escalated during the hearing as Governor Guyo clashed with Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, with the exchange eventually being halted to restore order. Governor Guyo denied all the allegations leveled against him.
Senator Kajwang’ recommended that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigate the Ksh 98.5 million contract and other financial concerns.
He also rebuked the governor for failing to appear before Senate committees on multiple occasions, leading to a fine of Ksh 500,000.
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