Senators have raised concerns over misuse of office by various officials at the county levels.
A report released by Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee (CPAIC) for the financial year 2014-2015, has revealed that several officials at the county government are not using their positions as expected of them.
The committee wants the Director of Public Prosecutions and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to probe officials from 20 counties over their performance.
The report revealed that a good number of the county executives do not adhere to approved budgets. In some cases millions remain unaccounted for.
The committee’s chairman Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay) said that it is unfortunate that the CECs continue to hold offices yet they cannot account for the millions allocated to their dockets.
In some instances, the CECs re-allocated different items on their budgets even before they get a nod from ththe Controller of Budget.
The affected counties are Meru, Nakuru, Vihiga, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Busia, Narok, Nyamira, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Kajiado, Kericho, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Makueni, Marsabit, Kisii, Kwale and Lamu.
The committee singled out West Pokot County officials after they awarded Sh32, 892,814 to the construction of an office block for the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries yet the budget states that they should allow invest Sh26, 892,814.
“The committee observed that there was a breach of procurement laws which may have resulted in the loss of public funds and recommends that the DCI and EACC should investigate the responsible officers with a view of the recovery of the funds and prosecution of those culpable,” reads part of the report, as quoted by Standard.
The committee also called upon different agencies to collaborate for the sake transparency and accountability.