For the 47 regional governments that took effect in 2013 and are receiving hundreds of billions every year — more than Sh300 billion this year — in Treasury allocations, the Sh26 million suspected loss may pass for pocket change.
However, it is worth remembering that governors, who are the heads of the county units, have had to appear before the Senate to respond to queries on misuse of funds, the key issue being irregular procurement.
It is also worth noting that delayed disbursements and supposed cuts in allocations to counties have degenerated into war between the Treasury and the governors who claim sabotage.
Five current and former Homa Bay County officials and representatives were arrested on Thursday in what the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said was linked to alleged misuse of Sh26 million in the 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 financial years.
Two other suspects were on the run.
For the 47 regional governments that took effect in 2013 and are receiving hundreds of billions every year — more than Sh300 billion this year — in Treasury allocations, the Sh26 million suspected loss may pass for pocket change. However, it is worth remembering that governors, who are the heads of the county units, have had to appear before the Senate to respond to queries on misuse of funds, the key issue being irregular procurement.
It is also worth noting that delayed disbursements and supposed cuts in allocations to counties have degenerated into war between the Treasury and the governors who claim sabotage.
Again, the opposition parties are pushing for a revamped allocation equivalent to 45 per cent of the audited revenues. It is a noble demand so that no region is left behind or marginalised as the Constitution says.
However, fears that corruption would be devolved are now being confirmed with the frequent EACC warnings that it would prosecute governors who cannot explain certain expenditures running into tens of millions of shillings.
We support the recent EACC crackdown in Homa Bay. However, the pursuit should not end with a few counties, this purge should extend to every county and anyone who operates against the law ought to feel the pinch because every action must have consequences.
It is a mockery when everyone rants and raves about graft war while there are no convictions to warn the thieving individuals at all levels of government that nothing short of accountability will be tolerated.
The renewed graft purge should be sustained and targeted at people thriving on impunity.
The Executive, the regional governments, and the lawmaking bodies (Senate, National and County assemblies) must not be used as conduits to get rich quickly at the expense of the struggling taxpayer.
PAYE Tax Calculator
Note: The results are not exact but very close to the actual.
