The Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee put fund managers from Kesses and Saku Constituencies on the spot over a series of audit irregularities and incomplete documentation stretching over a decade.

The high-stakes session, held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, saw fund managers questioned on unresolved audit queries highlighted in reports by the Auditor General for the financial years 2013 to 2023.

From Kesses Constituency, five fund officials, Joseph Rotich, Gloria Mwasi, Wilson Okumu, Gloria Ketany, and Winnie Kaptuiya, appeared before the committee to address discrepancies flagged in audit reviews.

 One major concern involved inconsistencies in figures related to the transfer of funds to other government units. The committee questioned why the books didn’t match.

“The auditor noted variances in reported transfers,” the Committee Chairperson, Gideon Mulyungi, said.

The fund managers explained that these were accounting errors that had since been corrected, with updated figures submitted in later reports.

Another case involved a motor vehicle that was involved in an accident. The committee found that an inspection certificate was missing from the audit file.

“Although the vehicle was inspected, we do not have the report on hand,” one fund official admitted. The committee directed the team to provide the inspection report within a week.

Construction on untitled land

Further scrutiny emerged over the construction of a health centre on land without a title deed. Former fund manager Joseph Rotich told the committee the land was under succession when he assumed office and that the project was already underway.

 “Who started the project then, and was the land bought by the NGCDF?” Mulyungi posed.

  Rotich requested more time to investigate, prompting the committee to order a comprehensive status report within seven days. The report must include a copy of the mother title deed, a search certificate, and the new title if issued.

The team was also instructed to engage the NGCDF Board CEO and forward all supporting documents.

 Unutilized funds, missing logbook

Another irregularity involved unutilized funds, which Mwasi explained were a result of incorrect figures, later adjusted and documented in the next fiscal year.

The committee also questioned the status of an abandoned vehicle in a garage, allegedly missing a logbook.

“The vehicle was awaiting disposal, and the logbook had been presented to the auditor,” she told the committee.

In a separate session, Japhet Ngui, the fund manager from Saku Constituency, was recalled after a prior appearance for failing to provide satisfactory documentation. This time, he faced more intense questioning, particularly over an incomplete land purchase project with no title deed.

Ngui stated that he had pursued the matter but later handed it over to the county government, presenting only a sale agreement to the committee.  

 “What I can see is the sale agreement; there is no handing over report. Where is the report?” Ngui claimed it had been misplaced during document compilation.

The committee directed him to submit all complete documents, including a proper handover report, by July 17, 2025.

Missing project evidence

Auditors also flagged discrepancies in bank balances and vouchers, as well as a lack of photographic evidence for school construction projects.

“Mr. Japhet, just providing photos is an issue?” Mulyungi asked.

It is unacceptable for Ngui to continue appearing without proper records. This is your final opportunity to submit all required documents.”

The committee reaffirmed its mandate to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

“We will not compromise on our responsibility to safeguard taxpayer money. Fund managers must adhere to strict financial discipline and proper documentation,” Mulyungi asserted.