The Auditor General has once again put the government on the spot after uncovering filthy expenditure of the first year in office that has shocked Kenyans.
According to the AG, billions of shillings were extended as loan to Kenya Airways (KQ) without any paperwork authorising the disbursement, or opening of a government of Kenya loan designated account, to which the funds could have been repaid.
Reports indicate that the government lending of Ksh.16.2 billion from Treasury and its spending could not be tracked as Kenya Airways irregularly mixed the funds with Kenya Airways PLC assets.
However, more reports have emerged how various ministries have raised eyebrows over their expenditure in the first audit by the AG.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
According to the Auditor General, Ksh.4 billion additional funding was allocated to the State Department for Early Learning and Basic Education for the Secondary Education Quality Improvement Project (SEQIP) in November.
However, classes that were meant to be built under the project have not been completed and therefore, not in use. Although some classes had been completed, they had not yet been handed over, while some had stalled and laboratories were also incomplete.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
The AG’s report revealed that over half a trillion shillings was disbursed to 17 health facilities but out of that ammount, hospitals had faulty equipment valued at Ksh.185 million while equipment worth Ksh.155 million were yet to be installed in the financial year 2022/2023.
MINISTRY OF ENERGY.
The Auditor General revealed that Ksh.2.2 billion was allocated for stabilization of refined petroleum pump prices paid as administration costs for the period ended June 30, 2023. However, there was no justification for including the stabilization administration costs in the pump price build up.
Nancy Gathungu also warned that there is increase in fund withdrawals by the Treasury without prior approval from the National Assembly. According to the report, Ksh.147 billion was withdrawn without approval of Parliament.