A recent report by the Auditor General on the Kisumu County Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund for 15 Months Period Ending on 30th June 2021 reveals serious malpractices by the committee.
The report reveals that KSh. 237,103,062 was spent by the committee as general expenses. However, examination of the supporting schedules revealed that included in the expenditure were cash payments made to officers in respect of advertisement and awareness, daily subsistence allowance and board conference and accommodation amounting to Ksh. 12,072,500.
Further, Management did not justify cash payments for the goods and services which could not be categorized as low-value procurements. In the circumstances, the accuracy and validity of cash expenses amounting to Khs.12, 072,500 could not be confirmed.
The Kisumu COVID-19 Response Fund Committee was formed by Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyongo in June 2020 ostensibly to raise, and manage the funds. The Committee was chaired by Mr Bhire Chatter, CEC Finance and Planning Mr George Omondi Okong’o, Chief Officer health in charge of Administration and Partnerships Mr Alphonse Ouya, Chief Officer Agriculture and Livestock Dr Paul Omanga and former Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga
Others are Civil Society Organization Representative Madam Winnie Ogot, Madam Jessica Ogombe, Mr Fund Secretary Mr Caleb Opon, Mr Walter Odede, a member of Kecosoc and also representing the youth and Fund Administrator Mr Akaka Ramoyo.
