THE ROT AT BOMET COUNTY GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

An audit report by the Auditor General that covered the County Government of Bomet and the defunct Local Authorities transactions for the period 1 January to 30 June, 2013 and which also took into account transactions before, during and after the transition period reveals a number of abnormalities.

The audit which was to verify the county government’s preparedness to receive and utilize devolved funds before, during and after the transition period. The terms of reference set for the audit included verifications and confirmations of transactions in respect to but not limited to the taking-over of the former Local Authority, Cash and bank balances, Current debtors and suppliers balances, Motor vehicles and office equipment.

According to the report, review of County Government procurement records revealed weaknesses in the recording of goods and services procured. Consequently there is the risk of loss and pilferage of County Government assets. For example, there were items that were purchased worth Kshs.1,893,000.00 but were not taken on charge raising questions of the location of such assets and if they were diverted for other use.

Further, a number of irregularities were noted in respect to the manner the County Government procured some of its goods and services:

(i) The County Executive purchased two-way workstations and filing cabinets at a cost of Kshs.1,300,000. Although the right procurement procedures were followed in acquiring the items, the assets were not taken on charge in the assets register.

(ii) Further, the County Executive did not maintain an inventory of the furniture and fittings. Also not recorded were four (4) HP laptops and one (1) photocopier costing Kshs.593,000. The receipt and issue records of the laptops were not made available for audit and the whereabouts of the computers was not established.