Senators demand EACC probe into Sh1.3 billion bursary funds misuse by counties

Senators have called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate at least 15 counties for failing to account for Sh1.3 billion in bursary funds.

This comes after the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, presented a report revealing alleged mismanagement of funds between the 2019/20 and 2021/22 financial years.

The report highlighted significant discrepancies, including funds disbursed to students with duplicate admission numbers and, in some cases, the complete absence of beneficiary lists.

It also noted widespread inaccuracies in financial statements and counties issuing bouncing cheques or failing to provide documentation to confirm that funds reached intended recipients.

Among the counties implicated are Tana River, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Bungoma, Machakos, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Garissa, Kericho, Kajiado, Vihiga, Lamu, Bomet, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga.

No supporting documents

The committee, led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, recommended specific investigations, such as the case of Nandi County where Sh102.35 million was disbursed in the 2021/22 fiscal year without supporting documents.

“The committee recommends that the EACC conducts investigations on the unsupported bursary disbursements amounting to Sh102.35 million and provides a status update to the Senate within 60 days,” reads the report.

In Lamu, the senators questioned the disbursement of Sh253.6 million intended for needy students, citing a lack of formal applications and supporting documents. The report called for an inquiry into the propriety of these disbursements. Additionally, Sh12.1 million disbursed in the 2019/20 fiscal year lacked necessary receipts and acknowledgement letters.

West Pokot and Machakos were flagged for ongoing investigations into bursary management fraud, while Vihiga, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Garissa were asked to explain disbursements of Sh1 million, Sh8.18 million, and Sh2.18 million, respectively.

Murang’a County was cited for failing to account for Sh267.61 million disbursed in the 2021/22 financial year.

“The county government failed to provide schedules containing references of schools, admission numbers, cheque numbers, dates of issuance, and criteria used for student selection for audit review,” the report states.

Similarly, Trans Nzoia County faced scrutiny over Sh100.47 million in questionable bursary disbursements during 2019/20, while Kirinyaga was asked to explain Sh85.84 million reportedly allocated to beneficiaries.

The committee emphasised the need for swift action.

“The EACC should investigate the possible loss of public funds and provide a status update within 60 days of the adoption of this report,” it urged.

With the revelations, senators have called for accountability, terming the alleged mismanagement as a betrayal of public trust and a disservice to needy students relying on bursary support.