Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka.
By I.P. reporter.
-Bungoma County Government Accused of Violating Procurement Laws.
– Civil Society Leaders Demand Accountability.
In a statement released on Friday, November 7, 2024, civil society organizations in Bungoma have accused the county government of violating Public Finance Management Act,2012 and regulations and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act,2015 by mismanaging public funds.
The statement, signed by Albert Wamalwa and John Major Mukenya, alleges that county officials engaged in dubious procurement practices, costing taxpayers millions.
The civil society groups highlighted several projects under scrutiny, including the renovation of the Governor’s office, which they claim cost Ksh 28 million, and an insurance program for farmers’ crops and livestock valued at Ksh 48 million, for which the list of beneficiaries cannot be verified.
Additionally, the group leaders said that they possess documentary evidence of irregularities in the distribution of dairy cows to wards by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Irrigation, and Cooperatives, at an inflated price of Ksh 100,000 per cow.
The Department of Agriculture, previously headed by Dr. Monica Fedha, who was suspended, has faced criticism over these expenditures.
However, Dr. Fedha was today reappointed by Governor Ken Lusaka to lead the Trade Department, raising further concerns.
The controversial Ksh 25 million flower planting project, previously investigated by Bungoma Senator David Wafula Wakoli in the Senate, has resurfaced as well.
Civil society leaders have also questioned the county’s expenditure of Ksh 18 million on billboards and the high cost of printed materials for Madaraka Day celebrations held at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Kanduyi, an event graced by President Dr. William Ruto.
Another major issue raised is a Ksh 148.8 million reallocation in the 2023/24 budget, which, according to civil society, disrupted essential programs, including the hiring of 200 Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers.
Wamalwa pointed to the FFLoCA project, led by the Department of Tourism, Environment, Water, and Natural Resources, which he claims is plagued by transparency issues, intimidation, and clear violations of procurement processes.
Wamalwa called on Governor Lusaka to take action against his allegedly corrupt officials or face the wrath of the public and civil society groups yhat are demanding for prudent use of public resources.
“We will take action and explore avenues to ensure that public officers involved in these unlawful dealings are held accountable,” said John Major Mukenya.
Ends.
