Josephat Nanok taken to task over Sh100m goods

Turkana governor Josephat Nanok (left) and Kwale governor Salim Mvurya at a past event. FILE PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA |

What you need to know:

  • Audit report haunts county boss.
  • Governor warned he risks probe by ethics agency for breaking procurement rules.

A Senate team on Wednesday warned Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok of a possible investigation by anti-corruption detectives for allegedly flouting the law in acquiring Sh100 million goods for the county.

The governor was appearing before the Senate County Public Accounts and Investments Committee to answer queries over consistent failure to adhere to procurement laws.

According to the Auditor-General’s report, the county government bought four tractors, three ploughs, two tipper trailers and a backhoe trailer at a cost of Sh26.7 million without competitive bidding.

Other equipment bought in a similar manner include two tippers for Sh18 million, a grader for Sh31.6 million, a bulldozer for Sh24 million and 50 water tanks for Sh7 million.

The purchase of animal feeds, agricultural seeds and car hire services also came under scrutiny.

The governor, whose county has been allocated the second highest revenue over the past three years, had a tough time trying to explain, but sought to absolve himself from blame, saying he does not control procurement.

“The Procurement Act and the County Government Act do not allow the governor to interfere,” said Mr Nanok.

Senators were not satisfied with this explanation and told him that as county chief executive officer, he should ensure that his officials adhere to procurement laws.

“The audit query points at flouting of procurement laws. The governor should give reasons for this or we will recommend that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission begins investigations,” said Chairman Boni Khalwale.

The governor was given an opportunity to provide documents showing that the county government had followed the rules.

“You might be doing the right thing but following the wrong procedure. It is like everyone is a procurement officer in your county,” said West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo.

Concerning the single-sourcing of tractors from CMC Motors, the governor said the company was among three that had been approved by the national government to supply the equipment.

“My concern is whether the procurement was done competitively. Telling us CMC was prequalified and approved is not satisfactory. Did you get quotations from other companies?” asked Vihiga Senator George Khaniri.

Turkana Senator John Munyes alleged that nothing was bought in the county without the approval of the governor and finance executive.

Mr Nanok accused the senator of spreading falsehoods, saying there was bad blood between them.