Governor Natembeya Faces Senate Scrutiny Over Ksh70 Million Milk Supply Program

Trans-Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya found himself in a difficult position while appearing before the Senate to account for several issues, including the management of county resources and specific programs such as a Ksh70 million milk supply initiative for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) institutions.

Key Concerns Raised by Senators

1. Uninsured County Employees
   • Senators, led by Trans-Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, questioned why teachers, healthcare workers, and other county staff lacked medical insurance coverage.
   • The Senate Education Committee demanded policy documents from the insurance company to verify the governor’s claim that the county had paid for employees’ welfare insurance.
2. Milk Supply Program
   • The Senate sought clarification on the Ksh70 million pilot feeding program for ECDE institutions.
   • Senators raised concerns about the initial supplier’s contract and the subsequent payment process.
3. Learning Materials for ECDE
   • The governor was also asked to account for the provision and procurement process of learning materials for ECDE programs.

Governor Natembeya’s Defense

• Insurance Coverage:
  Governor Natembeya claimed that the county had taken an insurance cover for all employees but admitted to needing time to produce the required documentation.
• Milk Supply Program:
  • The governor explained that the initial supplier had refused to continue with the contract after the county declined to pay in full before the delivery of milk.
  • Before the contract was terminated, the supplier delivered milk worth Ksh7 million, which was duly paid.
  • The county is now working with the New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) to supply the remaining milk for the program, utilizing the remaining Ksh63 million budget allocation.

Senators’ Demands

The Senate Education Committee demanded:

1. Full documentation of the insurance cover for county employees.
2. Comprehensive details and policy documents regarding the milk supply program, including contracts and payment schedules.
3. A clear explanation of the procurement process and accountability measures for the use of funds.

Context of the Milk Program

The Ksh70 million pilot program aimed to provide milk to ECDE learners twice a week. However, challenges in contract management and supplier disagreements have raised accountability concerns.

Next Steps

The Senate committee is expected to review the governor’s submissions and documentation to determine whether the funds were prudently utilized and if any further action is required.