Audit queries Sh7 million PS’s office renovation bill

The Ministry of East African Community is on the spot for spending Sh7 million on refurbishing its Principal Secretary’s office without a breakdown of the cost of works.

An audit shows that the ministry incurred Sh6,912,689 on refurbishment of buildings, out of which Sh6,854,938 was pumped into renovation of the PS’ office.

Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu said the State Department, however, could not provide a priced bill of quantities in support of the payment.

“In the circumstances, it was not possible to ascertain the authenticity of the expenditure incurred,” Ms Gathungu said in an audit of the State Department for East African Community for the year to June 2019.

The latest report tabled in Parliament shows that the department contracted a local company at a contract sum of Sh6,854,938.80 for a period of six weeks.

The works on the PS’s office commenced on June 21, 2018 and was completed on schedule on August 2, 2018 and a handing over certificate issued.

“However, management did not avail a priced bill of quantities in support of the amount paid,” Ms Gathungu said.

Ms Susan Koech who was suspended following the Sh63 billion Arror and Kimwarer dam scandals was the holder of the office when the upgrade took place.

Dr Koech, alongside suspended Treasury PS Kamau Thugge, have since been turned into State witnesses against his former Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, other State officials and directors of an Italian company CMC Di Ravenna Itinera JV over the Kimwarer and Arror dam scandals

Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji last week withdrew the charges against the Dr Koech and Dr Thugge who faced multiple counts in connection to the procurement process for the construction of the two dams in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The former officials were accused of conspiring to commit an economic crime, improperly conferring a benefit, abuse of office among other charges.