This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On September 30, 2019, the Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee (CPAIC) issued a warrant of arrest for Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua for failing to appear before the committee to answer audit queries.
Chairman Moses Kajwang' (Homa Bay) led the nine-member committee in its report for the financial year 2014-2015, which revealed that most county executives did not adhere to their approved budgets.
The committee found that funds were reallocated to items not budgeted for, without prior approval from the Controller of Budget, in most instances.
The 20 counties under scrutiny are Baringo, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Kajiado, Kericho, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kwale, Lamu, Makueni, Marsabit, Meru, Nakuru, Narok, Nyamira, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, and West Pokot.
Specifically, the committee recommends investigation and prosecution of West Pokot County officials over the construction of an office block for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries.
Records show that a contractor quoted Sh26,892,814 for the construction, but the tender committee awarded the contract for Sh32,892,814, resulting in an increase of Sh6 million without explanation or justification.
“The committee observed that there was a breach of procurement laws which may have resulted in the loss of public funds and recommends that the DCI and EACC should investigate the responsible officers with a view of the recovery of the funds and prosecution of those culpable,” reads part of the report.
