The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds on Monday, May 15, summoned governors Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi) and Susan Kihika(Nakuru) over an audit report.
Governors Sakaja and Kihika were summoned over their failure to appear before the committee to address audit questions raised by the Auditor General about Water Companies in their counties for the fiscal years 2018-2021.
Sakaja was to appear on Monday, May 15, while the Nakuru governor was slated for grilling on Tuesday, May 15.
Both Governors had earlier requested the committee to reschedule their appearances on the grounds that they were out of the country.
The committee was, however, not satisfied with their explanation after Sakaja was seen at a public event on Sunday, May 14.
Consequently, the Nairobi Governor was directed to present himself before the committee on Monday, June 12.
Similarly, Governor Kihika of Nakuru, who had thrice failed to honour an invitation from the committee, was summoned to appear on an earlier date, Monday, May 22, 2023.
In a statement, the committee further explained the crucial need for governors to uphold accountability in service delivery.
The Committee chair and Vihiga senator, Godfrey Osotsi, emphasised that the county bosses should not use overseas travel to avoid grilling.
At the same time, Senator Osotsi stated that Senators were firm and committed to overseeing the counties.
He also issued a stern warning against any attempts by the governors to shirk their responsibilities.
The Auditor’s report revealed that the Nakuru County government had failed to explain the variance of Kshs.3,120,238 expenditure in the water and sanitation department.
“The statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income reflects sales/ turnover of Ksh963,149,470; (2018 - Ksh860,874,266) and as disclosed under Note 6(a) to the financial statements. However, the supporting schedules reflect a balance of Ksh966,269,708 resulting to unexplained variance of Ksh3,120,238,” read part of the Auditor General’s report dated 2019.
Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) was also exposed after the Auditor General revealed that it was operating on a negative of Ksh927 million.
In an audit report for the financial year ending June 30, 2020, the Auditor General indicated that the company recorded a net operating loss of Ksh850.8 million, up from a net operating surplus of Ksh61.2 million the previous fiscal year.
