Wamatangi’s Fowl Play: Auditor General Exposes Ksh11.25M Spent on Phantom Chicks
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has raised concerns about Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s primary initiative, which aims to empower his constituents by supplying them with poultry chicks.
In the County Governments County Executive 2022/2023 report, the Auditor General disclosed that the governor allocated Ksh18 million towards acquiring 60,000 chicks that were only a month old. The entire sum was disbursed by April 20, 2023.
However, even after making the payment, the report disclosed that 37,500 of the chicks were not received as expected. This resulted in an incurred expense of Ksh11.25 million for the undelivered chicks.
“No explanation was provided as to why the supplier did not supply the remaining 37,500 chicks,” read part of the report.
The report indicates that 12,000 chicks were transported in July 2023, followed by 10,500 in August of the same year.
During the examined timeframe, the Auditor General pointed out this as one of the anomalies in Kiambu County.
Furthermore, the county faced scrutiny regarding the expenditure of Ksh81.8 million on acquiring certified seeds, breeding stock, live animals, and similar items that were ultimately not delivered.
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“The latter balance includes an amount of Ksh16,590,010 paid to a Trading Corporation for the supply of 13,063 bags of coffee fertilizers which was not delivered. Further, a review of Issue and Receipt Vouchers (S12) provided for audit revealed an unexplained balance of 11,116 bags of fertilizer worth Ksh14,117,320 which were not issued and were not in store,” read part of the report.
Gathungu emphasized that the county bought maize seeds worth Ksh34.8 million from the Kenya National Trading Corporation, yet only products amounting to Ksh20.3 million were received.
Moreover, the report disclosed that Kiambu County allocated Ksh11.2 million for acquiring liquid nitrogen, semen, plastic sheaths, gloves, and paper towels from the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Center.
However, goods valued at Ksh5.4 million were supplied, leaving a remaining balance of Ksh5.7 million worth of goods yet to be delivered.
Significantly, Wamatangi has been providing indigenous chicks to female residents in the county as part of an initiative to empower them and facilitate their ability to generate income.
The county also aims to provide piglets to male residents, promoting robust economic development and fostering agricultural activities.
Numerous county officials have voiced their opposition to Governor Wamatangi’s initiative, yet he remains steadfast in his commitment to proceed with it, citing its capacity to uplift all inhabitants of Kiambu.
Wamatangi’s Fowl Play: Auditor General Exposes Ksh11.25M Spent on Phantom Chicks
