This morning, the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, convened a meeting with Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu. The focus was to scrutinize the Auditor-General's reports on four county funds, covering the fiscal period between 2020 and 2022. These funds included the County Bursary Fund, Alcoholics Drinks Control Fund, Maasai Mara Support Fund, and the Narok County Revenue Fund.

Following a careful review of the Auditor-General's findings, the Committee issued a series of specific directives to the Governor for immediate implementation. These directives highlight the need for stronger internal controls, accurate financial record-keeping, and timely submission of documents in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (2012) and Public Audit Act (2015). The Committee underscored that failure to comply with these directives may result in investigations and potential prosecutions.

Additionally, the Committee emphasized the need to rectify inaccuracies in the preparation of the Narok County Bursary Fund's financial statements and ensure the timely submission of quarterly financial reports to the Controller of Budget.

In the afternoon session, the Committee met with Lamu Governor Issa Timamy. Discussions centred on the Auditor-General's reports on the Lamu County Bursary Fund, Lamu County Executive Housing Fund, and Lamu County Emergency Fund for the same fiscal period (2020-2022).

Again, the Committee identified areas of concern and issued directives to ensure compliance with the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) guidelines, as well as value for money in the operation and management of the funds. 

Of significant concern was the finding of irregular payments totaling Kshs. 23,070,000 made from the Lamu County Bursary Fund in the 2021/22 financial year without formal applications. Consequently, the Committee has directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to commence an investigation into this matter, including allegations of coercion, and provide preliminary findings to the Committee within 30 days.