The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds instructed Laikipia County to define specific dates for clearing Ksh49.8 million in employee pension deductions that have not yet been transferred to the relevant pension schemes.

The order was issued after a meeting on 1 October with Governor Joshua Irungu and county officials, where the committee examined the county’s compliance with the Auditor‑General’s 2024/25 audit findings.

The unremitted sums arise from two county‑owned water utilities: Nanyuki Water and Sewerage Company, responsible for Ksh25.65 million, and Nyahururu Water and Sewerage Company, owing about Ksh24.14 million.

Senator George Mbugua warned that continued delays could jeopardise workers’ retirement benefits and expose the county to further penalties.

Committee vice‑chair Senator Beth Syengo called for documented proof of action and concrete dates for the repayment of the deductions.

Governor Irungu said the water firms face financial pressure because of unpaid bills from government bodies, including security agencies, and asked for an extension until the end of the fiscal year to settle the amounts.

The problem mirrors a wider issue, with the Controller of Budget noting that, as of March, the national government had Ksh115.57 billion in statutory deductions that remained unremitted.

During the session, Senator John Kinyua highlighted a tariff disparity, noting that Nyahururu residents pay Ksh120 per cubic metre while Nanyuki customers pay Ksh68, a gap the governor attributed to higher electricity costs for the Nyahururu provider.

The committee also sought clarification on a Ksh6.3 million shortfall in customer deposits, with the county indicating that an escrow account now receives daily deposits to replenish the balance.