Today, the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, convened with Tana River County Governor Godhana Dhadho. The focus of the meeting was to scrutinize the Reports of the Auditor-General concerning the financial statements of three funds spanning the years from 2020 to 2022: the Tana River Emergency Fund, the Tana River County Ward Bursary Fund, and the Tana River Disaster Risk Management Fund.

During the proceedings, Governor Dhadho addressed the issues raised by the Auditor-General regarding the financial management of the aforementioned funds. Several recommendations were put forward by the Committee to address the identified gaps.

Firstly, the Committee stressed the importance of timely submission of documents during the audit process. It was highlighted that failure to adhere to this could result in recommendations for investigation and potential prosecution of fund administrators. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the National Treasury's issuance of new templates and amendments to existing ones without timely communication to counties. The Committee recommended that the National Treasury ensures prompt dissemination of such updates to counties and the Senate in the future.

Regarding the Tana River Disaster Risk Management Fund, specific attention was drawn to the awarding of contracts for the transportation of relief food. It was noted that while contracts were granted to two bidders, only one contractor had submitted a tax compliance certificate. The committee directed the Governor to furnish the Committee and the Office of the Auditor-General with the necessary information regarding the second contractor within 14 days.

Addressing issues related to the Tana River County Bursary Fund, the Committee expressed concerns over inaccuracies in financial statements, signaling potential capacity challenges within the finance and accounting section of the Fund. Consequently, the Governor was instructed to take administrative measures to enhance the capacity of officers or recruit staff with appropriate professional qualifications. Further, the absence of a response to a query on the presentation of financial statements for the Bursary Fund was highlighted. The Governor was directed to ensure a response is provided within 14 days for verification by the Auditor-General and subsequent transmission to the Committee.

In reviewing the Cash and Cash Equivalent, discrepancies were identified, including unpresented cheques and stale amounts. The committee instructed the Governor to halt the process involving the mentioned cheques and provide evidence of compliance within 14 days.

Later in the day, Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi City County appeared before the Committee to address concerns regarding the financial statements of the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board for the years 2020 to 2022.

The Committee acknowledged the late submission of documents by the County Government, resulting in insufficient time for the Auditor-General to conduct a thorough examination. Consequently, the Committee acceded to the Auditor-General's request for additional time and resolved to reschedule the meeting for a later date.