Kilifi County is at the center of a fresh financial scandal after revelations that at least 16 companies may have received a staggering Sh14.9 billion in payments from the county government between September 2022 and April 2026.
Documents and payment records indicate that on April 24 alone, the county disbursed Sh103.5 million to the firms.
Sources within the county allege that such payments are routinely processed on a weekly basis, raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and adherence to procurement laws.
The controversy has triggered public outrage, particularly following claims that some companies received identical payment amounts—an anomaly that has fueled suspicion of possible duplication of invoices, preferential treatment, or systemic manipulation of the payment process.
The scandal has also reignited debate over the county’s handling of pending bills, with local suppliers accusing the administration of sidelining them in favor of well-connected contractors.
The anger has been compounded by tragic incidents involving struggling business owners.
One such case is that of Sammy Ambari, a local supplier who reportedly died by suicide after years of unsuccessfully pursuing payment for goods delivered to the county.
Another contractor is said to have faced similar distress over unpaid dues, highlighting the human cost of delayed payments.
Further scrutiny reveals that all 16 companies are allegedly linked to individuals from Mandera East Constituency, raising questions about possible regional favoritism in the awarding and settlement of tenders.
Among the firms flagged is Dodo Global Company, reportedly linked to contractor Ali Nur Ali, which is said to have received five separate payments totaling Sh22.3 million.
Dewlight Holdings Limited, associated with Mohamed Adow Jibril and Amina Ahmed Sheikh, allegedly received Sh12.9 million in two payments.
Drycon Logistics Limited, linked to Farhyia Abdullahi Dahir, reportedly received Sh9.08 million, while Africent Enterprises Limited—owned by Zeitun Jimale Omar—was paid approximately Sh49 million across multiple transactions.
Investigators also noted a striking anomaly where Africent Enterprises and Dewlight Holdings allegedly received identical invoice amounts of Sh10,030,940, raising further concerns over possible irregularities.
Other firms listed include Afyia 911 Vendor Management, linked to Zakaria Derow Haji, which reportedly received Sh15.2 million, and Amery Construction Company, which was paid Sh4.26 million.
The revelations come just days after separate allegations surfaced involving a controversial procurement deal linked to a revenue collection system tender, reportedly worth over Sh103 million, and associated with a company previously flagged by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
An activist has now called on the EACC to urgently investigate the transactions and freeze the accounts of the companies involved, warning that the scale and pattern of payments point to a possible entrenched procurement cartel.
The health sector has emerged as a focal point in the unfolding scandal, with most of the alleged supplies tied to medical procurement.
Attention has turned to the office of the Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Services, Dr. David Mulewa, amid claims of possible conflict of interest.
Additionally, reports suggest that a shadowy figure—whose official role remains unclear—may have played a central role in processing the payments, allegedly working closely with the County Chief Officer for Finance, Ezekiel Mwarua.
As pressure mounts, residents and stakeholders are demanding immediate answers from the Kilifi County leadership over what they describe as selective payments, ballooning pending bills, and a procurement system that appears to favor a small circle of contractors at the expense of local businesses.
The county government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
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