The Nursing Council of Kenya has come under fresh scrutiny after MPs raised concerns over irregular use of public funds, unexplained audit gaps, and a missing land title deed linked to a Nairobi property, during a review of financial statements covering more than a decade.
The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture interrogated the Council over audit reports from 2012/13 to 2023/24, pointing out repeated breaches of financial management rules. The Council’s CEO, Lister Onsongo, defended the institution but acknowledged challenges linked to earlier systems and record transitions.
Committee chairperson and Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe said the Council had previously shown strong compliance before recent inconsistencies emerged.
“I want to laud the Council for having achieved five years of unqualified reports from the Auditor General. We however must demand that they give an explanation as to why they lost the consistency along the way resulting in the queries that have been flagged,” stated Wangwe.
Lawmakers focused on Sh 28,544,354 issued by the Ministry of Health on March 15, 2022, meant for recruitment of Kenyan nurses to the United Kingdom under a revolving arrangement for travel support.
Audit findings showed Sh 26,285,920 was spent on the programme, while only Sh 10,649,305 was refunded, leaving an expected balance of Sh 12,907,739.
The Office of the Auditor General reported that by June 30, 2024, only Sh 6,093,366 remained, leaving a variance of Sh 6,818,373. MPs said the gap raised concerns of possible violation of Regulation 54(1) of the PFM (National Government) Regulations, 2015, which bars diversion of funds meant for specific use.
Onsongo told the committee that the differences were linked to challenges experienced during the shift from manual records to a digital system, which affected early data completeness. She said the Council has since strengthened controls to prevent similar gaps.
“We have about 75,000 active nurses and we've at all time coordinated with DCI and other working security groups to handle the matter at all times.’’ she said, adding that, "We commit to deliver at all times to ensure public Money is spent according to the law."
MPs also questioned a Nairobi property valued at Sh 54,000,000 that had been used as collateral for a Sh 1,600,000 loan taken in 2011. Although the loan was cleared and a discharge issued on November 5, 2018, the Council has not recovered the title deed, even years later.
“We want a clarification on who received the discharge document from the Bank and if the documents had been handed over together with the title as should be the case. Do we need to call the bank here to confirm if the documents have been handed over to you?” Wangwe posed.
Responding, the CEO said "The circular is powerful." while legal officer Eugene Ayub said, "The offence is punishable."
Wangwe directed the Council to account for all questioned funds and warned that recovery measures, including surcharge, would be applied where necessary.
Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina and MP Owino Martins also questioned approval processes and value for money in the transactions under review.
MP Owino Martins said, "You need authorization" did you seek authorisation? Our concerns is value for money"
In response, Lister Onsongo said, " We acknowledge we didn't get authorisation and the council was aware and according to the records we call this for surcharge."
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi raised concern over regulation of the profession, citing the presence of unqualified practitioners.
"Do you register nurses in the country? We've quacks outside here nurses and doctors?"
Onsongo said the Council regulates about 75,000 active nurses and continues working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and other agencies to address the issue.
Wangwe urged the Council to tighten oversight and maintain public trust in the profession.
"Remain firm in delivering your mandate and actually in the village quacks are all over but Kenyans are looking at you because you’re of value to lives."
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