Garissa Governor Korane faces probe over World Bank grant
Garissa Governor Ali Korane who facing probe over the diversion of funds from the World Bank meant for of infrastructure development projects. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- On Monday, EACC officers grilled Governor Korane over the matter.
- EACC Spokesman Yassin Amaro said the governor was questioned for almost four hours.
- The commission's report further stated that the money was withdrawn in cash.
Garissa Governor Ali Korane is on the spot over diversion of funds from the World Bank meant for infrastructure development projects.
In an investigation report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Mr Korane’s administration is accused of transferring the grant, amounting to Sh233 million, to departments for which it was not intended, which are headed by people close to the governor.
On Monday, EACC officers grilled Governor Korane over the matter.
Speaking to the Nation, EACC Spokesman Yassin Amaro said the governor was questioned for almost four hours on Monday.
FUNDS DIVERTED
“The governor was invited to appear before the commission on February 17, 2020 to shed light on the diverted funds but he did not turn up until Monday, March, 2,” Mr Amaro said.
According to the EACC investigation report seen by the Nation, Mr Korane’s administration is accused of embezzling Sh233,506,000 which was given as a grant by the World Bank under the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP).
“These funds are meant for implementation of infrastructure development projects by the Municipal Board of the Counties. The funds were immediately transferred to the departments of Water, Health and Garissa Water and Sewerage Company, all headed by individuals associated with the governor,” says the report.
WITHDRAWN IN CASH
It further states that the money was withdrawn in cash and part of it was used for some development projects such as purchase of tanks, pharmaceutical drugs and spare parts for a borehole.
The World Bank has set aside Sh32 billion for the five-year KUSP project which targets 45 counties, shutting out only Nairobi and Mombasa.
In July last year, the Isiolo governor appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts and Investments Committee to explain how millions of shillings were unevenly spent on building of dams.
He was required to explain how the county spent Sh53.1 million through restricted tendering for the extension of the Kotile water supply to Alijarire and Hubi, the Hagalbul water supply, and sinking of the Dogob borehole.
