The Senate Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) on Thursday, November 20, 2025, directed representatives from the State Department of Housing and Urban Development to leave their session after failing to provide satisfactory responses on key audit issues. The committee insisted that the Principal Secretary, Mr. Charles Hinga, must appear in person to address the concerns, noting that the matter was too weighty to be delegated.
The move came as the committee began probing allegations of diversion of funds intended for the rollout of the second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP II). Several county governments are alleged to have redirected the funds meant to improve living conditions in informal settlements, raising questions about accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
Housing remains a highly emotive and significant issue for many Kenyans, with millions depending on government-supported programmes to access decent shelter. Senators expressed disappointment that the State Department failed to present competent officials who could adequately explain the handling of the funds, saying the sector demands maximum honesty and clarity.
Kitui Senator Hon. Enoch Wambua, who sits on the committee, stressed that accountability in housing projects is crucial because the funds are meant to uplift vulnerable communities. He noted that the committee would not condone evasive responses or attempts to downplay the gravity of the allegations, urging the PS to prepare a comprehensive briefing for the committee.
The committee is expected to announce a new date for Mr. Hinga’s appearance as it seeks to get to the bottom of the allegations. Members reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every shilling allocated to informal settlement improvement is properly spent, warning that anyone found culpable of mismanaging the funds will face the full force of the law
