This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On August 26, 2019, a damning report by Auditor General Edward Ouko shed light on the possible embezzlement of Ksh4 billion relief fund in the 2017/2018 financial year, adding to the woes of Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich.
The State Department for Special Programme, on behalf of the government, signed an agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) on June 9, 2017, to facilitate emergency transfers targeting 1.3 million people affected by drought in 13 arid and semi-arid counties.
However, according to the Auditor General's report, the Treasury Cabinet Secretary failed to comply with the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, by not providing the necessary guidelines for the management, operation, and winding up of the fund.
"This is inappropriate utilization of public funds as the section of the fund, including mode of operation, has not been done in line with the existing laws," Mr Ouko stated in the report, which is currently before the National Assembly.
Mr Ouko further reported that there were no accountability documents, including details of beneficiaries and evidence to show confirmation of receipt of the cash, making it difficult to ascertain how the money was utilized.
