Garissa pioneers first regional audit hub in a bid to monitor funds

Kenya’s Auditor-General, Edward Ouko. On Friday during the opening of Garissa regional hub he said that the funds allocated to counties need closer supervision. ( Photo Courtesy)

NAIROBI—Auditor General Edward Ouko, on Friday called for closer supervision and monitoring of funds allocated to counties to ensure that the taxpayers get value for their money.

Speaking in Garissa where he officially opened the regional hub office, Ouko said the Garissa audit office landmark is the first to be built by his office. A two-storey building costing Sh160 million.

“Opening of this office is historic to the office of the Auditor-General; we are spreading our wings to each and every county by building more offices and posting enough staff.” he said.

The Auditor-General said that there are plans to build similar offices in Kakamega and Eldoret in the next few years.

He showed concern on how all audit offices in the country are rented, including the headquarters.

Kenya is lagging behind in terms of building and spreading its audit offices compared to other neighboring countries like Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan.

Northeastern Regional Commissioner Mohamud Saleh, who was the chief guest, challenged the auditor-general’s office to closely monitor the huge financial resources being given to counties by the national government.

Counties have been blamed for misusing public resources and inflating the cost of projects, leading to massive wastage.

EACC on Friday impounded a Land Cruiser said to be one of 27 vehicles purchased by Garissa county for Sh186 million in 2015.

EACC spokesman Yasin Amaro told journalist that they were investigating top senior county officials who allegedly inflated the cost and ended up paying Sh246 million — far above the Sh186 million.

Mohamud Saleh said he also regretted that not much has been done in the three counties of Garissa,Wajir and Mandera, despite the counties receiving over 30 billion annually.