The Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee, chaired by Senator Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), this morning scrutinized the financial management of various county funds from the coastal region. The Committee met with governors Abdullswamad Nassir (Mombasa) and Gideon Mung'aro (Kilifi) to discuss Auditor-General reports concerning funds under their counties' jurisdiction.

𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲

Governor Nassir answered inquiries related to the Mombasa County Elimu Fund, Mombasa County Alcoholic Drinks Control Fund, and the Mombasa County Consolidated Revolving Fund for the financial years ending June 30th, 2020, through June 30th, 2022.

The Committee issued several recommendations to improve financial management, including timely submission of documents during audits, strict adherence to budgetary control measures, and ensuring internal control systems comply with the Public Finance Management Act. Specific attention was given to the revolving fund, with the directive for the governor to provide a plan to recover Kshs. 54 million in outstanding loans within 60 days. The Committee further highlighted concerns about certain County Acts' consistency with national laws, recommending legal review and capacity building in the County Attorney's Office.

𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲

In the afternoon, Governor Mung'aro faced the Committee regarding the Kilifi County Ward Scholarship Fund, Kilifi County Hospital Services Improvement Fund, and the Kilifi Emergency Fund. Recommendations mirrored those given to Mombasa County, emphasizing timely document submission and adherence to budgetary controls.

The Committee specifically addressed the inconsistency between the Scholarship Fund (Amendment) Act 2023 and national Public Finance Regulations regarding administrative expenses, directing the governor to work with the County Assembly to ensure legal compliance. Furthermore, the Committee emphasized the need to establish enabling regulations for the Kilifi Emergency Fund within 60 days.