As investigations continue into the unauthorized withdrawal of Sh.147 billion by the government, more instances of unapproved expenditure during the first year of the Kenya Kwanza administration are coming to light.
The Auditor General’s inquiry has revealed a concerning lack of documentation regarding the disbursement of billions of shillings loaned to Kenya Airways.
Despite no formal paperwork authorizing the loan or the establishment of a designated government account for repayment, Sh.16.2 billion was lent from the Treasury to Kenya Airways.
Unfortunately, tracking the expenditure has proven difficult as the funds were irregularly mingled with Kenya Airways PLC assets.
Similarly, in the Ministry of Education, questions arise regarding the allocation of an additional Sh.4 billion to the State Department for Early Learning and Basic Education for the Secondary Education Quality Improvement Project (SEQIP).
Concerns stem from incomplete classes funded by the project, some of which remain unused, while others are unfinished or not yet handed over.
The Ministry of Energy also faces scrutiny for allocating Sh.2.2 billion for the stabilization of refined petroleum pump prices, which was utilized for administration costs without clear justification for its inclusion in the pump price build-up.
Furthermore, the Auditor General is seeking evidence from the Eastern and South African Trade Development Bank and Africa-Export Import Bank regarding the receipt of Sh.6.3 billion from the Treasury for the purchase of shares.
Documentation of the deposit into respective bank accounts and share certificates during the transaction is requested.
Senator Okong’o Omogeni of Nyamira has called upon the President to explain the withdrawal and expenditure of Sh.147 billion by the government during the 2022/2023 financial year, which lacked approval from the National Assembly as per Article 223 of the Constitution.
This article permits the Treasury to spend within a 10% margin of ministries and departments’ budget items, seeking approval afterward from Parliament.
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