The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, met with Kericho Governor Erick Mutai to scrutinise Auditor-General reports on three county funds from 2020 to 2022. The focus was on the Kericho County Bursary Fund, the Kericho County Alcoholic Drinks Control Fund, and the Kericho County Emergency Fund.

The Committee highlighted concerns and issued a series of recommendations. Firstly, they stressed the need for stricter budgetary controls in all three funds, to be implemented by the Governor via the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance. Compliance will be reassessed in the next audit cycle. They also emphasized full adherence to Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) reporting templates. 

To address inaccuracies in financial statements, the Governor was directed to either train existing staff or recruit qualified finance and accounting professionals. Errors in Bursary Fund documentation necessitate the resubmission of accurate records within 14 days. The CECM for Finance must ensure timely cooperation with audit processes, or risk investigation and prosecution.

Most significantly, the Committee noted serious management issues within the Kericho County Bursary Fund. "Having noted serious issues in the management of the Kericho County Bursary Fund, the Committee directs the Office of the Auditor-General to undertake a forensic audit and file a report with the Committee within 60 days from the date of the meeting," Senator Osotsi declared. 

Finally, the Committee urged the Governor to expedite amendments to the Kericho County Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2014, ensuring it aligns with national legislation.