Marsabit County faces mounting scrutiny as the Auditor General’s findings cast doubt on the management of its finances, sparking concerns about transparency and accountability.
According to the Auditor General’s report, Marsabit County struggled to justify the utilization of 8.2 billion shillings allocated in the 2020/2021 fiscal year. This lack of clarity has jeopardized the county’s eligibility for funds from the Kenya Devolution Support Program, putting over 160 million shillings in jeopardy.
Moses Kajwang, Chair of the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC), expressed deep concern over the revelations, emphasizing the need for greater oversight in public spending. “The unaccounted funds in Marsabit County are troubling and demand urgent attention,” Kajwang stated.
In response, Governor Mohammud Ali acknowledged the challenges but assured stakeholders of proactive steps to address them. “While we have faced difficulties, we are committed to rectifying the situation and ensuring better financial management,” Governor Mohammud assured.
However, questions linger about the competence of the county’s financial management team, prompting calls for accountability and improvement. Senator Samson Cherargei pressed the governor on measures taken to address deficiencies within the department.
Governor Mohammud acknowledged the need for improvement but stressed the importance of fair and transparent disciplinary actions. “We recognize the shortcomings and are taking appropriate steps to address them while upholding accountability,” Governor Mohammud affirmed.
In response to the Auditor General’s report, the Senate committee proposed stringent measures to hold accountable those responsible for financial mismanagement. The committee also urged collaboration between county officials and the Auditor General’s office to rectify the discrepancies highlighted in the report.
As Marsabit County navigates these financial challenges, stakeholders are hopeful that concerted efforts towards transparency and accountability will pave the way for better governance and fiscal responsibility.
Stay tuned to TTN for comprehensive coverage and analysis of Marsabit County’s financial situation as we track developments and initiatives aimed at addressing the underlying issues.
