Africa-Press – Kenya. Up to Sh1 billion of Marsabit county’s Sh1.4 billion in pending bills are not genuine, according to the findings of an audit.
Governor Mohamud Ali formed a committee to establish the authenticity of payment claims lodged by contractors against the devolved unit, and the findings show most of the claims are not genuine.
The county government’s spokesperson Barille Abduba said out of 608 claims made, only 291 projects and services were delivered to the county government.
He said contractors had lodged claims amounting to Sh1.4 billion, yet only Sh474 million was ascertained as genuine.
“The probe by the committee headed by Dika Bilala saved this county from losing Sh1 billion, which could not be authenticated as no projects are physically available while no services were rendered,” Barille told reporters in his office.
He said the county government had started engaging contractors with genuine claims amounting to Sh474 million, with Sh100 million having been paid out so far.
The spokesperson asked claimants of the remaining Sh374 million owed to the contractors to be patient as modalities to pay them are being worked out.
He underlined the commitment by the county government to prudent use of public resources for accelerated development.
The 317 claims that are believed to be false, he added, will not be paid despite vouchers having been prepared as most lacked supporting documents.
He warned those behind the move, which could have cost the taxpayer a big loss besides denting the county government’s image, may be punished in accordance with the law.
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