Mombasa MCAs raise concerns over Executive's expenditure

Mombasa's Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have raised concerns over the management of the Executive's expenditures and project implementation.

The MCAs, after meeting with the Department of Lands, Urban, Renewal and Housing, observed considerable overspending in recurrent expenses, exceeding both approved and final budgets by 175.1 per cent, as highlighted in the Controller of Budget's semi-annual report.

The MCAs said this suggested a deficiency in budget management or unanticipated costs in recurrent operations.

They pointed out that the budget for the development was not fully utilised, with only 10 per cent of the final budget being spent, indicating possible delays or inefficiencies in carrying out the projects.

They also noted the low utilisation rates of recurrent and development budgets in programmes such as Housing Development and Management, Urban Renewal, Land Administration and Valuation, and Physical Planning.

Budget execution

Questions have been raised about the factors contributing to these rates and efforts underway to enhance budget execution efficiency.

The County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Mohammed Hussein emphasised the progress of housing projects, including those publicised in Changamwe, Tom Mboya, Nyerere housing, and other locations.

MCA Fadhili Makarani and MCA Abdirahman Hussein raised issues about budget usage and the necessity for detailed reporting on both past and upcoming projects.

Mombasa County's CECM Education Dr Mbwarali Kame during a meeting with MCAs. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

In response, the Lands Chief Officer Ali Shariff stressed the importance of funds for surveillance and land acquisition, affirming that the funds designated for the fiscal year 2023/24 would be appropriately utilised, even if projects haven't started yet.

However, there are lingering questions regarding the department's plans for the remaining two months of the financial year and the approval status of the affordable housing project, which involves a partnership with developers.

Accountability

Committee Chairperson Swaleh Kibwana expressed worry about the department's surplus of Sh300 million, emphasising the need for accountability and transparent reporting regarding project implementation and future strategies.

"In the future, it is important for the department to focus on enhancing the efficiency of fund utilisation, particularly for development projects. This involves offering a detailed overview of funded projects, both recurrent and development expenses, highlighting their progress and impact on sector objectives,” emphasized MCA Kibwana.

At the same time the House Committee on Finance, Budget, and Appropriations, led by Kibwana Swaleh, summoned the Department of Education to review its spending, identify areas for improvement, and tackle issues from past budget allocations.

Dr Mbwarali Kame, the County Executive Committee Member for Education, along with department directors, discussed the effective distribution of bursaries but stressed the need for more focus on Early Childhood Development Education with challenges within Vocational Training Centers highlighted.

Despite a budget allocation of Sh600 million for bursaries, only Sh450 million was utilised, benefiting 40,000 day school students and 385 full scholarship recipients.

Kibwana inquired about the bursary budget request for the next fiscal year, noting previous fund underutilisation, and showed interest in project progress for current and upcoming years.

“There is a necessity for more funding for VTCs in specific regions,” Dr Mbwarali said and proposed an extra Sh800 million for bursaries and the Elimu Fund, referring to complaints from VTCs and universities about fund allocation.