11 Counties face corruption probe over billions of public funds lost in questionable expenditures
In Tharaka Nithi, the committee has called for an investigation into unpaid bills totalling Sh439.32 million.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) could soon start investigating several counties for failing to account for substantial amounts of taxpayers' money, leading to concerns about financial irregularities.
The counties in question include Tharaka Nithi, Homa Bay, Bomet, Meru, Makueni, Wajir, Nyeri, Siaya, Samburu, Kakamega, and Murang'a.
This development comes after a report from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), which scrutinised the Auditor General's report for county executives for the year ending June 30, 2020.
Senators have expressed concern over what they describe as "fictitious" pending bills and other questionable expenditures that have raised red flags in the counties' financial records.
Senator Moses Kajwang, who chairs the committee, emphasised that the affected counties had failed to satisfactorily address audit queries during hearings.
In Tharaka Nithi, the committee has called for an investigation into unpaid bills totalling Sh439.32 million.
"Pending bills deemed ineligible should be forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for probe and proper legal action taken against those filing false claims," the committee's report states.
Furthermore, the county faces an investigation into the irregular transfer of Sh36.94 million, which was moved from a retention account to a recurrent account under unclear circumstances.
The committee has recommended that the EACC investigate the transfer, which violates the Public Finance Management Regulations.
Prosecute culpable officers
"The committee recommends prosecution of culpable officer(s) if diversion of funds resulted in the loss of public funds and provides a status update to the Auditor General and the Senate within 90 days," the report adds.
In Homa Bay, there are concerns about the management of funds generated under the Alcoholic Drinks Control Fund.
According to the report, the county recorded zero collection from liquor licensing fees, despite budgeting for Sh1.46 million in revenue.
To determine resource misuse, the committee has requested an investigation into the fund's operation since its founding.
Additionally, the county is under investigation for failing to disclose Sh136 million in debts in its financial records.
Other matters under scrutiny include the construction of an animal feed factory and stores in Arujo, costing Sh45.16 million, as well as issues surrounding a Sh396.78 million contract for the construction of Homa Bay Stadium.
Although specific details are not yet public, the report also highlights irregularities in other counties, including Bomet, Meru, and Makueni.
The Senate has recommended that the DCI and EACC thoroughly investigate the financial dealings in these regions to protect public funds and ensure transparency.
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