This morning, the Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds convened with Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu. Under the leadership of Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the Committee meticulously examined the Auditor-General's reports on three county funds: the Laikipia County Bursary Fund, the Laikipia County Emergency Fund, and the Laikipia County Assets Leasing Fund, covering the fiscal period of 2020-2022.

After a thorough review, the Committee issued recommendations to Governor Irungu aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in fund management. These recommendations included maintaining fund administrative costs within legal thresholds, ensuring the timely submission of audit documents, and regularizing the establishment of the Laikipia County Leasing Fund in accordance with the Public Finance Management (County Governments) Regulations, 2015.

In the afternoon session, the Committee shifted its focus to Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka. The agenda centred around the Auditor-General's reports concerning the Bungoma County Education Support Scheme Fund, the Bungoma County Youth and Women Empowerment Fund, and the Bungoma County Disaster Management Emergency Fund for the same fiscal period.

The Committee's scrutiny led to several notable recommendations for Governor Lusaka, emphasizing the importance of effective budget implementation monitoring, accurate financial record-keeping, ensuring the qualifications of staff in finance roles, and regularizing the establishment of the Bungoma County Youth and Empowerment Fund.

Moreover, the Committee highlighted discrepancies in scholarships awarded by the Bungoma Education Fund and inconsistencies in supporting documentation. As a result, they resolved to expunge these records and directed the Governor to submit a task force report on the Fund's management within seven days. Additionally, the Auditor-General will commence a forensic audit within 60 days.

Similar concerns were raised regarding the Bungoma County Disaster Management Emergency Fund, prompting the Committee to request a task force report for verification. Since both the Education and Emergency Funds are under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Committee has requested a status update within 14 days.

Finally, the Committee directed Governor Lusaka to ensure that all Fund Administrators submit quarterly financial reports to the Office of the Controller of Budget as mandated by the Public Finance Management Act, 2012. A reschedule was made to continue the consideration of the Bungoma County Disaster Management Emergency Fund at a later date.