MACHAKOS, Kenya — Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti on Tuesday ordered a sweeping crackdown within the county’s waste management department after investigations uncovered widespread misuse of fuel allocated for garbage collection, a lapse she warned was directly undermining essential public health services.
In a strongly worded statement issued on December 9, Ndeti said the diversion of fuel had disrupted routine waste collection schedules, leaving some communities exposed to mounting waste and associated health risks. “County investigations have uncovered the misuse of fuel meant for waste collection, disrupting services and putting public health at risk,” she said.
The governor directed responsible officers to immediately cease the practice, adding that anyone found culpable would face legal and administrative sanctions.
“The practice will not be tolerated, and those involved will face firm legal action. All waste must be taken to designated dumping sites, and officers who cannot comply are expected to step aside,” she said.
County officials reported that the misuse involved fuel allocations intended for county trucks, with some staff allegedly diverting resources for personal gain — an issue that has previously surfaced in audit reports across devolved units.
The county’s directive comes at a time when many devolved administrations are under pressure to demonstrate prudent use of public funds, following heightened scrutiny by oversight bodies and the Auditor-General.
Public policy observers note that waste management remains a persistent challenge across Kenya, where budget misalignments often weaken the ability of counties to meet sanitation and environmental health standards set under the Public Health Act and the Constitution.
The fuel scandal emerged just a day after Machakos launched the second cohort of its Youth Empowerment Program — a flagship initiative designed to boost digital literacy, practical skills and discipline among the county’s young people.
In her December 8 statement, Ndeti announced that recruitment and sensitisation drives were underway across all eight sub-counties, targeting 4,500 trainees for the 2025 intake.
“Today marks the beginning of a new and exciting journey for the Second Cohort of the Machakos Youth Empowerment Program, with selection and recruitment now underway across all our sub-counties to ensure that every qualified young person has an equal and fair opportunity to join this transformative initiative, entirely free of charge,” she said.
The programme, implemented through the Machakos Youth Service (MYS) and the Machakos Youth Empowerment & Digital Program, aims to equip participants with employability skills while fostering civic responsibility and discipline.
Ndeti noted that the dual pathways “continue to open doors for thousands of young people to acquire essential skills, discipline, and real-world exposure that prepare them for a brighter and more productive future.”
Under the new cohort, 1,500 youths will be enrolled in the MYS track, with 3,000 set to join the digital empowerment stream. Recruitment timelines run from November 26 to December 11, covering sensitisation, village-level selection, ward consolidation, and sub-county verification.
Applicants must be Machakos residents aged 18–35, possess a valid national ID, and commit to full participation. No academic qualifications are required — a deliberate policy choice aimed at inclusivity.
The simultaneous developments — a stern anti-corruption stance and an expansive youth programme — underscore Ndeti’s effort to frame her administration as both reform-oriented and development-focused.
County officials say the crackdown is intended to ensure that service delivery keeps pace with the county’s social investment agenda, particularly as Machakos positions itself as a regional hub for youth skills development ahead of 2026.
