Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has assured the Senate that all the 352 bank accounts opened by his administration in different commercial banks comply with the legal requirements. 

This comes after the Controller of Budget named Bungoma County as one of the counties with the largest number of bank accounts in the country, making it difficult for the auditors to audit them. 

Speaking before the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations earlier today, the former Senate Speaker explained that these accounts were established with the approval of the Controller of Budget and the Central Bank of Kenya.

“I am confirming that we have the 352 bank accounts. But most of the accounts belong to vocational training centres (VTCs) and health facilities and dispensaries in the county,” Governor Lusaka stated during his appearance before the Devolution Committee chaired by Sen. Abass Mohamed (Wajir).

While giving the breakdown of the bank accounts, the County Chief revealed that vocational training centres in the county have 152 accounts, while health facilities have 146. 

The rest of the bank accounts according to the Bungoma County boss belong to Established Public Funds (10), Special Purpose (9) Project Management (1), Sub County Imprest (9), Mabanga Operation (19), Level 4 and 5 Hospitals (19), Own Source Revenue Collection (4).

“Our health facilities receive funds directly from donors. This, in turn, requires them to maintain individual separate accounts. These accounts are fully audited and included in our quarterly financial statements,” Lusaka explained.

Sen. Abass requested additional information, including the names of individuals managing the accounts so that his Committee could get to the bottom of the matter.  

“We need a detailed report on the accounts within three weeks,” the Committee’s Chairperson directed.

Governor Lusaka was appearing before the Devolution to respond to the Controller of Budget’s report on commercial bank accounts operated by the County Executive of Bungoma.