The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, chaired by Senator Godfrey Osotsi, today, convened to scrutinise the Auditor-General's Report concerning the financial statements of the Municipality of Marsabit for the fiscal year 2022/2023. During the session, Governor Mohamud Mohammed addressed the committee regarding the audit findings.

The committee acknowledged that while the management had rectified several issues highlighted by the Auditor-General, significant concerns remained, notably the misclassification of board expenses, an over-reliance on grants, and the absence of financial statements for previous years. 

Senator Osotsi stated, “To enhance the effectiveness of Municipalities in Marsabit County in executing their mandates, I direct you, the Governor, to ensure that their operational independence is fully operationalised in line with the Urban Areas and Cities Act.”

Moreover, the committee expressed its discontent over the Municipality's failure to prepare financial statements for the financial years 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, contravening the Public Finance Management Act. 

Consequently, the committee directed the Governor, alongside the County Executive Committee Members responsible for the Municipality, to ensure that the designated Accounting Officer prepares the requisite financial statements within the legally stipulated timelines.