This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
Garissa County has taken a drastic measure to combat the Covid-19 pandemic by redirecting funds initially allocated for interest-free loans to residents. The decision was made after the county's treasury failed to utilize the money on time, according to Roble Nunow, a finance executive.
According to Nunow, the county's treasury sought a supplementary budget in April to reallocate the funds to fight the coronavirus pandemic. This move comes after a report by Adow Jubat, the county executive in charge of Trade, Tourism and Enterprise development, revealed that no one benefited from the interest-free loans, which were launched a year ago to empower youth, women, and people with disabilities.
The report, tabled before the Assembly, showed that only Sh10 million was used for logistics, while Sh140 million was never deposited but reallocated to other competing entities. This has sparked hostilities between executive members of the Governor Ali Korane-led administration, with Nunow denying receipt of letters from the trade department on requisitions touching on the interest-free loans.
Launched by Governor Korane in June 2019, the fund had raised hopes for locals who applied in droves. However, the county's decision to redirect the funds has left many questioning the effectiveness of the program.
