PAC set to receive forensic audits on Eurobond, NYS

The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is set to receive forensic audit reports on Eurobond, the National Youth Service and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) scandals which hit the headlines last year.

“Within the month of January, we expect to receive Special Audit reports from the Auditor General Edward Ouko on both the NYS and the Eurobond,” PAC chairman Nicholas Gumbo said on Tuesday.

He announced that the committee would resume its meetings on Monday January 18 to conclude its report on the procurement of BVR’s, EVIDs and other electoral materials during the 2013 General Election by the IEBC and finalise pending business on the scrutiny of the audit of government expenditure for the year 2013/14.

He blamed the delay in tabling the IEBC report to the reconstitution of PAC members last year, refusal by commissioners to appear before the House team, changes in the chief executive post and refusal by some key witnesses including IEBC staff to testify.

Mr Gumbo said the NYS theft of Sh791 million and the controversy surrounding the Sh250 billion Eurobond “are matters of extreme national interest”.

“Both of these are matters of extreme national interest and will require ultimate commitment and devotion to the ideals of nationhood if we are to meet the expectations of our employers, the people of Kenya.

“We will issue detailed schedule of sittings and or any required visits as soon as we receive these reports,” the PAC chairman told the 29-member committee.

The PAC last year directed the Auditor-General to conduct a forensic audit on the use of Eurobond proceeds following allegations by Opposition leaders that the government could not account for Sh140 billion.