On Tuesday, February 27, the Senate Public Investments and Special Funds Committee interrogated Mombasa County Governor, Abdulswammad Sherrif Nasir, regarding the disappearance of Ksh54 million in loans issued in August 2022.
According to the committee, an audit report by the Controller of Budget revealed that funds from the County Alcoholic Control Fund, County Elimu Fund and County Consolidated Revolving Fund, could not be fully accounted for.
Additionally, the Senate raised questions about the County Consolidated Revolving Fund, which is stated to have issued loans to a list of beneficiaries with no agreements of the repayment terms and no security on the loans.
The Senate has also faulted the county for its failure to issue comprehensive reports of the finances even after the CoB has requested the same over time.
Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina grilled the county on debt repayment asking the county to provide a list of all the loan beneficiaries.
“Ksh54 million has disappeared, and someone has to be responsible for it. Publish all the names of the beneficiaries and send a debt collector to recover the money," stated Ole Kina.
Additionally, Mombasa Senator Faki Mohamed also queried the Governor about the county’s strategy to reclaim the funds. Abdulswammad responded by stating that the county would need to enlist the services of a financial institution.
Concerning the County Alcoholics Drinks Control Fund, the county came under scrutiny for the absence of legislation necessary to govern and prevent irregular remittances to the County Revenue Fund.
The Senate also scrutinised the Elimu Fund, questioning the absence of provisions for its dissolution.
In the county’s defence, Abdulswammad also explained that Mombasa was in the process of repealing the fund which he termed as no longer functional.
"This fund is as good as dead. We are working on a new legislation that is going to repeal it. We have taken into account all the issues raised and the new regulations should be in place by June this year," said the governor.
Further grilling by the Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda also raised eyebrows on why the money was loaned to the groups just before the elections.
