The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget held a meeting this Tuesday where members deliberated on the status of the pending bills for Kakamega County.
During the meeting that was chaired by Vice Chairperson Senator Tabitha Mutinda, Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa together with his senior officers in the Department of Finance attempted to answer questions from Senators on the pending bills for Kakamega County.
The Governor was put to task to explain several variances noted during the meeting.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa
The Office of the Auditor General that had earlier on given its submissions to the committee had raised several issues that needed clarification.
Among the issues raised by the Auditor General was lack of vouchers for payment totaling to Kshs. 278, 566,795 and pending bills amounting to Kshs. 626,299,023 that were found to be ineligible.
Members of the committee expressed their dissatisfaction with the responses given by Governor Barasa and his team directing them to seriously and competently address concerns raised by the committee.
Governor Barasa pleaded with the committee to give him and his officers 2 weeks to respond effectively on the issues raised.
Kakamega Senator Dr. Boni Khalwale
Members of the committee through the Vice Chair Senator Mutinda granted him the request advising him to take charge and ensure all concerns raised are addressed fully.
Other members in attendance were the Migori County Senator Eddy Oketch and the Kakamega County Senator Dr. Boni Khalwale.