The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched a fresh investigation into KSh5.252 billion in long‑standing pending bills linked to the government’s maize and fertiliser subsidy programmes, raising renewed concerns over delayed payments that have remained unsettled since the 2017/2018 financial year.
The inquiry was launched during a session at Bunge Towers in Nairobi, which was shared by Butere Member of Parliament (MP) Tindi Mwale, where lawmakers reviewed findings from the Auditor‑General covering the State Department for Agriculture for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The audit flagged significant unpaid obligations and accrued interest tied to the subsidy initiatives, sparking questions over accountability and financial management.
PAC Chairperson Tindi Mwale directed the State Department for Agriculture to submit comprehensive documentation on the subsidy programmes, including all framework agreements signed with private suppliers. He said the contracts would be critical in guiding the Committee’s next steps, including the possible summoning of private sector entities involved in the deals.
ALSO READ:
SASRA flags rising asset concentration as large SACCOs dominate industry
“The framework contracts will guide the Committee in determining the next course of action, including whether the involved entities will be summoned to appear before us,” Mwale stated.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Kipronoh Ronoh appeared before the Committee to respond to audit queries raised in the Auditor‑General’s report.
Lawmakers pressed for clarity on why the bills have remained unsettled for nearly a decade and how accumulated interest could further inflate the government’s liability.
According to the Auditor-General’s findings, the pending bills have remained unsettled since the 2017/2018 financial year, with additional concerns over accumulated interest potentially increasing the overall liability.
By Masaki Enock
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
