The Senate Committee on County Public Investment and Special Funds has given Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika a 30-day ultimatum to provide further information regarding the disappearance of KES 6,048,700.
Lawmakers expressed apprehensions about Nakuru County funds during an interrogation session on March 12, 2024.According to the committee, the money was disbursed as allowances from the Emergency Fund during the 2019/2020 financial year.
“The committee has demanded a satisfactory explanation within 30 days, failing which the governor will be required to initiate a recovery process for the irregular payment totalLing KES 6,048,700,” read the statement in part.
Moreover, Governor Kihika must provide explanations regarding the use of funds for gift vouchers and food packs, which were obtained from Emergency funds during the 2020 to 2021 fiscal year.
The Senate meeting aimed to scrutinize the Auditor General’s evaluations concerning Nakuru County’s Emergency and bursary funds for the 2020/2021 financial year.
Despite addressing the concerns raised, the Auditor General expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations given for the significant gaps highlighting that the county is deficient in internal audit capabilities. Kihika acknowledged the discrepancies and vowed to address them in the next audit.
The committee also highlighted the measures to improve transparency and financial governance within Nakuru.
“The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance has 60 days to establish effective internal control systems and policies that align with legal requirements. Evidence of implementation must be submitted to the Auditor General for verification,” the statement highlighted.
“Additionally, the Governor, through the CECM for Finance, is responsible for ensuring accurate financial record-keeping by fund administrators in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.”
The Committee has mandated strict compliance with guidelines established by the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) for compiling annual reports and financial statements.
It emphasized the importance of timely fund allocation to prevent disruptions in planned projects and highlighted the need to customize accounting templates before implementation to meet specific requirements.
Additionally, it examined the credentials of personnel within the Accounts and Finance divisions, emphasizing the importance of continuous training and development in these areas.
