The Senate County Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken a decisive step in addressing the financial irregularities in Kilifi county. The committee has halted the payment of Sh11.9 billion in pending bills and directed an immediate probe into potential collusion between county officers and contractors. This decision was made after county officials and contractors provided contradicting figures, triggering concerns that some of the debts could be fictitious.
The conflicting figures were revealed during a session where Kilifi finance chief officer Lawrence Mwonzonga gave different estimates of the county's outstanding bills. According to the latest Auditor General's report, the pending bills stand at Sh11.9 billion. However, Mwonzonga told the committee that the county had estimated its liabilities at Sh7.5 billion, of which Sh5.1 billion had been verified as legitimate. He further disclosed that the county had set aside Sh3.1 billion in the current financial year to settle the outstanding bills.
The Controller of Budget also provided different information, stating that the county executive had budgeted Sh8.7 billion for pending bills, while the county assembly had approved only Sh3.1 billion. This raised questions about the legality of the proposed expenditure. PAC chairperson Moses Kajwang' expressed concerns about the conflicting figures, warning that the county could not commit billions of shillings without a clear and approved payment plan.
Kajwang' described the county government as "technically insolvent," citing that the county revenue is Sh13 billion. He directed the Controller of Budget not to approve the withdrawal of funds for accounts payable until they align with the approval of the county assembly. The senators were also angered by revelations that some pending bills dating back to 2015, amounting to about Sh500 million, remained unpaid.
The committee demanded that the county executive provide an accurate breakdown of its liabilities and a clear payment schedule. Suppliers who had delivered goods and services should not be left waiting for years, Kajwang' insisted. He also cited allegations that some contractors were demanding full payment for incomplete projects, with county officials suspected of colluding with them.
The committee directed the county executive to verify all pending bills, prepare a workable payment plan, and ensure legitimate suppliers and contractors are paid promptly for services rendered and projects completed. The EACC was also directed to launch an investigation into an alleged unholy alliance in the county. A case was cited involving a contractor who allegedly built an early childhood development classroom at a cost of Sh3 million but had not installed a door while demanding full payment.
The Senate's directive aims to bring order to Kilifi county's financial management. The county officials and contractors must now provide a clear and transparent account of the pending bills. The investigation will help to identify any irregularities and ensure that the county's funds are used efficiently.
Key points
- The Senate has halted the payment of Sh11.9 billion in pending bills for Kilifi county due to conflicting figures provided by county officials and contractors.
- The county executive has been directed to verify all pending bills and prepare a workable payment plan.
- The EACC will launch an investigation into an alleged unholy alliance between county officials and contractors.
