Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka revealed that the county spent KSh 25 million on beautification projects, including the purchase and planting of flowers along the Musikoma-Kanduyi dual-carriageway, ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations. This expenditure has sparked widespread debate and scrutiny among the public, especially the younger generation, who have raised concerns during recent protests.
Governor Lusaka addressed these concerns by detailing the overall budget for the national function, which amounted to KSh 148 million, approved by the Bungoma county assembly. The funds were allocated to various sectors, with the Governor asserting that the money was spent appropriately and transparently.
Detailed Expenditures
The budget breakdown for the Madaraka Day celebrations included several key allocations:
- Education and Vocational Training Centres: KSh 1 million
- Renovation of District Centres for Early Childhood Education: KSh 1 million
- Roads and Public Works: KSh 24 million
- Other Infrastructural Works: KSh 6 million
- Billboards and Signage: KSh 18 million
- Trade, Energy, and Industrialisation: KSh 13 million
- Payment of Electricity Bill: KSh 13 million
- Lands, Urban, and Physical Planning: KSh 25 million
- Gender and Culture: KSh 5 million
- Preparation of County Handwork: KSh 5 million
- Youth and Sports: KSh 60 million
- Completion of Masinde Muliro Stadium: KSh 60 million
- Public Service Management and Administration: KSh 12 million
- Catering Services (water, juice, soda): KSh 4 million
Additional funds were allocated for advertising, awareness, and publicity, amounting to KSh 8 million, with specific allocations for commercial advertising, digital communication, jumbo flags, miniature flags, and media mobilisation.
Addressing Financial Management Concerns
Governor Lusaka also responded to inquiries about the county’s financial management practices, particularly the operation of 352 bank accounts, a matter highlighted in a report by the Auditor General. He provided a comprehensive list of the types of accounts managed by the county:
- Established Public Funds Accounts: 10
- Special Purpose Accounts: 9 (including NGRIP, Bungoma Municipality Urban Development Grant, Kimilili Municipality Special Purpose Account, and retention accounts)
- Project Management Accounts: 1 (Ministry of Water and Tourism)
- Subcounty Imprest Accounts: 9 (for the Department of Public Administration in all nine subcounties)
- Mabanga ATC Operation Accounts: 2 (Ministry of Agriculture)
- Level 4 and 5 Hospital Accounts: 19
- Own Source Revenue Collection Accounts: 4 (for local revenue collection in the County Treasury)
- Vocational Training Centre Accounts: 152
- Health Facility and Dispensary Accounts: 146 (for all dispensaries and health facilities in the Ministry of Health)
The Governor explained that these accounts were essential for the efficient and transparent management of public funds across various sectors and departments.
Actions Against Corruption
In a move to reinforce his administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency, Governor Lusaka announced that the County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Gender, Culture, Youth, and Sports had been directed to proceed on compulsory leave for one month. This decision follows allegations of graft within her docket, which are currently under investigation.
Governor Lusaka’s statements aimed to assure the public that the county’s finances are managed responsibly and that necessary steps are being taken to address any issues of corruption. The Governor emphasized the importance of such expenditures in enhancing the county’s infrastructure and public services, ultimately benefiting the residents of Bungoma.
