Bernard Mutua Tivu, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Mbitini Ward speaking at the County Assembly. Photo by Komu Musango. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Bernard Mutua Tivu, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Mbitini Ward, has tabled a statement in the Makueni County Assembly seeking accountability over the utilisation of funds disbursed to public hospitals through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In his statement, the MCA called for a comprehensive audit of all Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 health facilities across Makueni County, demanding a detailed report on the amounts received from the national government and how the funds have been spent over the past year.
Tivu said the funds are intended to support the purchase of essential medicines and facilitate development projects within public hospitals. However, he noted that reports of possible mismanagement have raised concern among residents.
“We have received information suggesting that some hospitals may have misused these funds. This money is meant to ensure availability of drugs and improve healthcare services for our people,” he stated.
The MCA further cited growing public outcry over persistent drug shortages in some county health facilities, despite regular disbursements from SHA. He warned that any hospital found to have misappropriated funds will face scrutiny.
“If investigations reveal misuse of funds, those responsible will be summoned before the relevant County Assembly committee to explain why the money was not used for its intended purpose,” he said.
Tivu also questioned the role of gazetted hospital boards across the county, seeking clarification on whether they were aware of how the funds were being utilised and whether proper oversight mechanisms were in place.
He revealed that the County Assembly expects to receive a full report by the 14th, detailing the total amount of money Makueni County received from SHA and a breakdown of expenditures in each facility.
“Our aim is to ensure that public funds are used strictly for their intended purposes in our hospitals,” Tivu emphasized. “We owe it to the people of Makueni to guarantee transparency and accountability in the management of healthcare resources.”
The outcome of the audit could have significant implications for hospital management across the county as leaders push for improved service delivery in the health sector.
