Bungoma MCAs want officials in controversial wheelbarrow purchase fired
Bungoma Assembly Majority Leader Majimbo Okumu (second right) inspects one of the wheelbarrows bought at Sh109,320 by the county executive at the Bungoma slaughterhouse. Mr Okumu called for action to be taken against officers who have flouted procurement rules. PHOTO | RAPHAEL WANJALA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Nalianya said the Assembly would not sit back and watch the executive waste away public funds through irregular procurement of equipment.
- Nominated MCA Martin Wanyonyi said all procurement officials need to follow procedures as stated in the Public Procurement Act.
- Mr Lusaka has, however, called for a complete report from all relevant committees on the purchase of the wheelbarrows by Friday.
County Assembly members in Bungoma want action taken against officials involved in the controversial Sh1.09 million wheelbarrow purchase.
Agriculture committee chairman Andrew Nalianya said they would summon officials involved in the procurement to explain how they purchased the 10 wheelbarrows at the cost of Sh109,320 each.
He said the officials will need to explain how they followed the procurement process and whether the wheelbarrows will bring value for the amount.
“We want the officials to explain to us how they followed the procurement process, whether the goods will bring value for money and if the goods delivered were the ones ordered,” Mr Nalianya stated.
Mr Nalianya said the assembly would not sit back and watch the executive waste away public funds through irregular procurement of equipment.
The chairman said action needs to be taken against the officials involved and asked Governor Ken Lusaka to crack down on corrupt officials.
He further challenged the governor on his pledge to fire corrupt officials, saying he should be serious in taking action in order to send a message to other workers.
Nominated MCA Martin Wanyonyi said all procurement officials need to follow procedures as stated in the Public Procurement Act.
“The committee did not conduct due diligence on the pricing and this is an error and we are calling on Mr Lusaka to send the officials home,” he added.
Mr Lusaka has, however, called for a complete report from all relevant committees on the purchase of the wheelbarrows by Friday.
