Audit exposes millions lost in scandals

An audit has detected financial irregularities that may have cost Isiolo taxpayers millions of shillings.

The audit report questioned expenditure of Sh1.5 million as imprest for various county officials and payment of Sh456,000 and Sh139,500 to an unnamed officer for a “meet-the-people tour” and “sitting allowance”.

The report, by Auditor-General Edward Ouko, also queried the payment of Sh1.07 million to county assembly members in sitting, travel and subsistence allowances.

“The payments were not supported by invitation letters, programmes of workshops attended, bus tickets or vehicle work tickets, venues and actual attendance by members,” the report said.

A vehicle bought on June 28, 2013 is yet to be delivered despite Sh7.8 million being paid to the supplier.

“A second vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, had not been delivered at the time of audit on September 13, almost 90 days after payment, contrary to the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2005 which requires that payments should be made upon receipt of the goods and services,” the report said.

OWNERSHIP DOCUMENTS

Some vehicles owned by the county were reported not to have ownership documents while a motorcycle valued at Sh361,530 is said to have been stolen though no report was made to the police.

It was also discovered that despite raising Sh60.7 million in revenue between January and June 2013, the defunct County Council of Isiolo banked Sh53.7 million.

The new county government also failed to close accounts used by the county council, withdrawing Sh13 million after the Transitional Authority deadline.

The report also questioned the payment of Sh790,950 medical cover despite a maximum provision for Sh200,000.