The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched an investigation into the Nairobi County Government over suspicious expenditure totaling nearly Sh600 million during the administrations between 2020 and 2022.
The Public Accounts Committee has requested the EACC to scrutinize City Hall’s spending during this period.
Simultaneously, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called on the Senate watchdog to investigate the utilization of Sh27 billion allocated to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) during its two-year tenure.
Governor Sakaja has also raised concerns about the outstanding Sh15 billion in pending bills left by the NMS, urging the committee to conduct a thorough audit of the funds transferred to NMS.
During discussions chaired by Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, Governor Sakaja stressed the need for accountability regarding the Sh43 billion accumulated by NMS, emphasizing that the liabilities should not be shifted to the county government.
Senator Richard Onyonka echoed these sentiments, urging accountability among individuals associated with NMS.
The committee has scheduled a session to address concerns related to NMS operations, including demanding answers from the office of the presidency regarding the utilization of Sh11 billion in the fiscal year ending 2021.
Apart from NMS-related inquiries, the committee has unearthed questionable financial practices within the Nairobi County Government during the fiscal years ending June 2021 and 2022.
Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu’s report highlighted irregularities, including the expenditure of an additional Sh72 million on a staff medical insurance scheme without proper documentation.
This expenditure, in addition to the contracted Sh691 million, raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
Governor Sakaja faced scrutiny regarding the additional expenditure, but he attributed it to the previous administration.
The committee further questioned a payment of Sh75.9 million for medical supplies to two companies without supporting documents, labeling it as potential misappropriation of public funds.
Additionally, the county government came under fire for voided transactions totaling Sh15.6 billion shortly before the August 9, 2022 General Election.
Senator Kajwang raised suspicions about the timing of these transactions and their potential implications on public funds.
Senator Onyonka echoed concerns about similar practices in other counties, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
Governor Sakaja disclosed a concerning increase in IFMIS users at City Hall, suggesting a systemic risk to public funds under his predecessors’ administration.
The ongoing investigations underscore the importance of accountability and transparency in public financial management, particularly within local government administrations.
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