In a riveting session on Monday at the Senate, Governor Susan Kihika could not avoid but exclaim “Gosh!” as the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) disclosed alarming instances of fiscal misappropriations during the financial period ending June 2022 and up to August 2022. The revelations pointed to when her predecessor, Lee Kinyanjui, was in office.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, the Chairperson of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, detailed how the Finance Department engaged in questionable fiscal activities, particularly in August, a period dominated by election campaigns. Governor Kihika, clearly taken aback by the magnitude of the financial irregularities, found herself frequently reacting with shock and disbelief.
@nakuru_riftvalley Ukora uliofanyika kaunti ya Nakuru 2022
The County Executive through the Department of Lands Housing and Physical Planning had procured 5 acres of land in respect of Umoja Lanet Health Centre at a cost of Kshs.95,000,000. Whereas the user department had sought for undeveloped land size of one to two acres without encumbrance, the Management purchased a developed five acres of land with Kshs.3,000,000 encumbrances. In the same year, 2022, a payment of Kshs.30,000,000 was made to a payee other than the real owner or seller.
@nakuru_riftvalley Under Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Nakuru bought five acres of land without a budget. Dept needed only 2 acres. Money was paid to a different person
Among other issues raised were significant irregularities in the Boresha Barabara program, where value for money could not be ascertained. The supply and delivery of seedlings, sports equipment, and SME equipment were described as “handouts camouflaged as citizens’ support.” Other shocking issues included unsupported deliveries, deliveries without requisition, payments without vouchers and approvals, payments exceeding LPOs, and payments made without LPOs.
The Chair of the PAC proposed that those in charge of the Finance Department in 2022 be surcharged to recover the money lost, especially through unsupported imprest that cannot be explained. There were also payments made after the end of the financial year, another revelation that left Governor Kihika stunned.
“Anyone else would be equally shocked by the extent of these fiscal improprieties,” said Elizabeth Njoki, a Nakuru resident.
Governor Kihika emphasized her administration’s dedication to transparency and fiscal responsibility, vowing to rectify the mismanagement and uphold the highest standards of governance in Nakuru County.
“It is unacceptable, and we are committed to ensuring that such mismanagement never happens again.”
As the Senate Committee continues its investigation, the residents of Nakuru can be assured that Governor Kihika is focused on addressing these past shortcomings and steering the county towards a future marked by integrity, accountability, and responsible financial management.
