This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
Published on July 25, 2019, an Auditor General's report has shed light on the financial woes of a county, where pending bills have accumulated to Sh461 million. The report covers the 2017/18 financial period.
According to Auditor General Edward Ouko, the pending bills are the reason behind the stalling of many projects in the county. He noted that the previous county administration had started projects that were left half-way complete after contractors withdrew when their dues were not paid.
One such project is the Youth Talent Academy at Thanju Village in Lower Sagana, where Sh400 million was spent. However, the project was abandoned halfway and has become a haven for vandals who have stripped it off concrete polls and metals left behind by the contractor.
Residents and local leaders have expressed frustration over the stalled projects. Justus Kariithi, a resident, said, "The entire structure is slowly getting weakened by harsh weather after vandals descended on it." Joel Wagura, Kariti Ward MCA, stated that youth had lost hope of benefiting from the academy.
Similar concerns have been raised in Mutithi Ward in Mwea West sub-county, where a number of projects have stalled. Peter Njomo, area MCA, listed the projects as Kinyaga Dispensary, Kandongu agricultural staff office block, Ng’othi-Kirwara dispensaries, which have consumed Sh10 million, Sh22 million, Sh2 million, and Sh2.5 million respectively.
Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri attributed the issue to contractors who could not produce documents used to award the contracts. He asked, "When one fails to produce the tender documents for accounting purposes, how does he or she expect to be paid?" The revelation has created confusion on how much the county owes contractors, with Finance Executive Moses Migwi's figures showing Sh290 million owed to contractors.
