This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
On March 13, 2020, Kenya reported its first Covid-19 case, marking the beginning of a pandemic that would claim 391 lives and see over 24,000 cases reported by July 31, 2020.
As the country struggled to contain the spread of the virus, billions of shillings were allocated to national and county governments for pandemic interventions. However, allegations of misused funds have now prompted a Senate committee to request a special audit.
Senate Ad Hoc committee on Covid-19, chaired by nominated Senator Sylvia Kasanga, has written to Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu and Controller of Budget Dr Margaret Nyakang'o, requesting a special audit into the expenditure of Covid-19 funds.
The audit, which should cover the period between March 13 and July 31, 2020, aims to establish whether counties had approved work plans, procurement, and training plans in place specific to the pandemic before funds were disbursed.
Ms Gathungu is also required to review and establish the total amount of money received by the counties, as well as the bank accounts into which the funds were banked.
According to Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye, the report from the Controller of Budget is required by August 21, while the special audit report should be submitted by email on or before September 4, 2020.
