A stalled multi-million shilling system, a controversial renovation plan, and unresolved audit queries put the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) on the spot in Nairobi as lawmakers demanded answers over how public funds have been used.
The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA) on Thursday, March 19, 2026, questioned the authority’s top officials over a string of financial and operational concerns raised in audit reports.
Officials led by Director-General David Mugonyi appeared before the committee chaired by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, where members pressed for clarity on delayed projects, revenue losses, and governance issues within the authority.
At the centre of the session was the long-delayed Device Management System (DMS), a project launched in 2016 with a budget of $2.081 million (about Sh 217 million).
The committee heard that although Sh 21.7 million was paid out, the system has not moved forward in eight years. Lawmakers dismissed claims that court cases had stalled the project, with Vice-Chairperson Caleb Amisi stating, “This litigation appears manufactured to conceal internal failures.”
The authority’s legal team pointed to a High Court ruling that declared the system unconstitutional due to privacy concerns and lack of public participation. Despite this, the committee demanded accountability for the funds already spent, with Wangwe directing the authority to submit a feasibility study and a full breakdown of legal costs.
“Public funds must be accounted for, regardless of the circumstances,” he said.
The committee also turned its attention to the Director-General’s official residence in Lavington, which has remained unused for more than five years. Members questioned a proposed renovation budget of Sh 95 million for a house valued at Sh 7 million.
“This is a glaring mismatch that makes no financial sense,” Wangwe observed.
Further audit concerns included a possible Sh 12.35 million loss in revenue linked to weaknesses in registration processes, as well as Sh 15.1 million in staff loans that have not been recovered. Lawmakers also faulted the authority for appointing all nine members of the Universal Service Advisory Council on the same day, contrary to the requirement for staggered appointments.
The committee maintained that the issues raised point to deeper governance and accountability gaps within the authority, warning that such lapses could undermine public trust. Members insisted that all pending matters must be resolved and properly documented.
The Communications Authority was directed to submit a detailed report on the stalled DMS project within a week, alongside explanations on the financial and administrative concerns raised during the session.
