This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Published on October 29, 2019, a letter from the Danish International Development Agency (Danida) to the Council of Governors (CoG) raised concerns over the utilisation of a Sh2.2 billion donor fund given by the Danish Government to support health functions in the counties.
The audit revealed that 15 counties have unspent monies in their accounts for the universal health care (UHC) support programme for level 2 and 3 hospitals. These counties include Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Kericho, Kilifi, Kisii, Kitui, Meru, Migori, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Siaya, and Trans Nzoia.
Furthermore, Danida's auditors, Ernest & Young, were unable to audit 11 counties after receiving late or insufficient information. These counties are Baringo, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Mombasa, Murang’a, Taita Taveta, Turkana, Vihiga, Wajir, and West Pokot.
According to the audit report, Sh2.5 million was unaccounted for in Machakos County. However, 20 counties received a clean bill of health and are scheduled to receive their share of funds for the current financial year.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Danish Embassy, Henrik Larsen, wrote to CoG’s Chief Executive Jacqueline Mogeni, stating that transfers to the counties are conditional upon adequate utilisation of funds from previous financial years. He added that counties with reason for concern should urgently follow up to ensure they can continue to benefit from Danida funds.
The counties that are yet to utilise the Danish organisation’s funds have been given a deadline to do so, failing which they should wire the money back to Danida’s account by November 8. The devolved units that gave incomplete information to auditors have also been instructed to provide the necessary details by the same date.
