The Auditor-General has raised fresh concerns over the United Democratic Alliance’s declaration that it owns land assets valued at nearly Sh2 billion.
In her review of political parties’ accounts for the year ending June 2024, Nancy Gathungu noted that the ruling party listed land worth Sh1.953 billion in its financial statements but did not provide supporting documents to prove ownership or value.
According to the report, “Review of asset ownership records for the political parties revealed weaknesses in the documentation and verification of property rights…UDA reported land assets worth Sh1.95 billion without supporting title deeds or valuation reports.”
Under the Political Parties Act, all political parties receiving public funding are required to maintain accurate records, prepare yearly financial statements, and ensure that any assets bought using public funds are properly accounted for.
UDA, which holds the majority in Parliament, has been the leading recipient of allocations from the Political Parties Fund (PPF) since 2022, receiving hundreds of millions each year depending on its representation in both Houses.
For the 2023/2024 financial year, UDA was allocated Sh316.1 million; the highest share from the fund, while ODM followed with Sh168.8 million.
The fund, managed by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, supports transparency and the strengthening of political institutions.
Gathungu’s report pointed out that weak record-keeping and lack of internal controls continue to affect political parties.
She said most parties have not developed proper governance systems or kept up-to-date asset registers.
Some have also failed to account for grants and donations or adhere to public procurement procedures.
The audit further revealed that UDA, along with 36 other parties, did not comply with the legal requirement to establish offices in at least 24 counties, having only 21 by the end of the review period.
Although the Auditor-General’s findings are meant to enhance accountability, critics say many of her recommendations remain unimplemented, leaving gaps in oversight of public funds.
