Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-04-06 16:10:54
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu recently released her audit report for the financial year ending June 2023, uncovering alarming discrepancies in human resource management within the Garissa County government. The report, dated March 15, highlighted significant breaches of law, including the payment of Ksh14.36 million to 140 employees who were over the mandatory retirement age of 60. These findings point to a systemic failure in governance and oversight within the county.
One of the irregularities identified in the audit report was the payment of special house allowances to 16 employees totaling Ksh128,668 without approval from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. Additionally, 28 staff members were found to be earning below the minimum wage limit set by regulatory bodies, resulting in a total underpayment of Ksh1,813,959. It was also revealed that 35 employees were receiving net salaries less than one-third of their respective basic salaries, violating employment regulations as stipulated in the Employment Act of 2007.
An area of concern highlighted in the audit was the lack of comprehensive staff medical cover for Garissa County employees. Despite recommendations from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, the County Government failed to procure and implement a group medical scheme, leaving employees vulnerable.
Furthermore, the audit report pointed out an ethnic imbalance within the county government’s workforce, with 77.5% of employees belonging to the dominant ethnic community. This deviation from the legal requirement outlined in the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008 raised concerns about inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.
The County Executive’s expenditure on employee compensation was also flagged in the audit report, exceeding the recommended threshold and accounting for approximately 58.9% of the total revenue. This violation of Regulation 25(1) of the Public Finance Management (County Governments) Regulations, 2015, indicates that the County Government’s expenditure on wages and benefits surpassed the allowable limit.
In response to the audit report, the Budget and Appropriations Committee, led by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, is investigating the findings and inviting governors to provide explanations for their expenditures. Governor Nathif Jama of Garissa County has been asked to address the issues raised in the audit report and clarify the government’s financial practices.
The revelations in Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s report shine a light on the need for improved governance, oversight, and compliance with legal regulations within the Garissa County government. Addressing these discrepancies will be crucial in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective management of resources within the county.
Read the original article on Kenyans.co.ke
