Govt Explains Spending Ksh147 Million On A Tree Nursery In Uasin Gishu
On Monday, the Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) refuted allegations that Ksh147 million was allocated to a nursery for bamboo trees in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County.
The agency clarified in a statement signed by KWTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Julius Tanui that the funds were utilized at bamboo sites throughout the nation.
Furthermore, Tanui clarified that the expenditure spanned a duration of five years, extending beyond the year 2023.
The agency stated that this was consistent with the implementation of a 10-year Bamboo Commercialization and Investment Project that was financially supported by the Kenyan government.
“The project was conceptualized as an alternative livelihood support project aimed at reducing pressure on water tower ecosystems,” the agency explained.
Tanui further stated that the funds were allocated towards capacity building, feasibility studies, public participation, surveys, demarcation, and fortification.
A portion of the funds was designated for the establishment of bamboo stockpiles, the cultivation of community bamboo nurseries, hydrological surveys, the drilling and outfitting of boreholes, site-species matching, inspection, monitoring, and evaluation.
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Although KWTA denied allegations that it had invested Ksh147 million in a single tree nursery, the Agency failed to disclose the exact amount of money that had been spent on the Kaptagat tree nursery.
According to the agency, additional nurseries for bamboo trees were located in the counties of Narok, Bomet, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been monitoring Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) for potential misappropriation of taxpayer funds.
EACC requested documents and information regarding the expenditure of funds on the National Bamboo Growing Demonstration at Kaptagat Forest from Tanui on November 10.
“KWTA is in the process of complying with the request from EACC. It was not a summon as reported,” the Agency defended itself.
Tanui additionally noted that the initiative had undergone numerous audits by the Office of the Auditor General over the years, but no definitive reports had been issued.
Govt Explains Spending Ksh147 Million On A Tree Nursery In Uasin Gishu
