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Senators want EACC to probe Lamu County Bursary Fund over irregular payments

Members of the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds when when they met the Lamu and Narok governors. (Photos: Senate)

By Farhiya Hussein | Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Senate Committee wants investigation into irregular payments totalling Sh23 million made from the Lamu County Bursary Fund in the 2021/22 financial year without formal applications.

The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, has directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to commence an investigation into irregular payments totalling Sh23 million made from the Lamu County Bursary Fund in the 2021/22 financial year without formal applications.

The committee also wants EACC to look into the allegations of coercion and provide preliminary findings to the Committee within 30 days.

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The move comes after the Committee held discussions with Lamu Governor Issa Timamy regarding the Auditor-General's findings on the Lamu County Bursary Fund, Lamu County Executive Housing Fund, and Lamu County Emergency Fund for the period between 2020 and 2022.

During the meeting, they addressed concerns and issued directives to ensure adherence to the guidelines set by the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) and ensure effective management of the funds.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy. (Photo: Lamu County Government)

“The committee has highlighted irregular payments totalling Sh23,070,000 from the Lamu County Bursary Fund in the 2021/22 fiscal year, which were made without formal applications,” noted Committee Chair Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Narok County Funds

The Senate Committee at the same time convened a meeting with Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu to review the Auditor-General's reports on four county funds for the period of 2020 to 2022.

These funds comprised the County Bursary Fund, Alcoholics Beverages Control Fund, Maasai Mara Support Fund, and the Narok County Revenue Fund.

After thoroughly examining the Auditor-General's report, the Committee issued a set of precise instructions to the Governor for prompt execution.

“The directives emphasised the importance of implementing stronger internal controls, maintaining accurate financial records, and submitting documents promptly in line with the Public Finance Management Act (2012) and Public Audit Act (2015),” the committee chair added.

The Committee emphasised that non-compliance with these directives could lead to investigations and possible prosecutions.

The Committee also stressed the importance of addressing inaccuracies in the preparation of the financial statements for the Narok County Bursary Fund and ensuring the timely submission of quarterly financial reports to the Controller of Budget.