Ministry of Mining Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko is currently embroiled in controversy following revelations of questionable spending within his department during the 2021/22 fiscal year.
The issue came to light during a session with the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where Kaituko was grilled over the expenditure of Ksh. 28 million in per diem payments.
Particularly troubling was the allocation of Ksh. 2.1 million for office tea and other administrative costs, a sum that has raised eyebrows among Members of Parliament and the public alike.
During the PAC session, it was disclosed that out of the Ksh. 28 million allocated, Ksh. 11.7 million was purportedly spent on field activities, while Ksh. 2.1 million was dedicated to office tea and similar administrative expenses.
This huge amount spent on what appears to be a routine office provision has drawn widespread criticism, with MPs questioning the justification behind such expenditure.
Soy MP David Kiplagat expressed shock over the spending, urging Kaituko to clarify how the funds were used and to ensure transparency in future audits.
The MP suggested that the high expenditure on office tea could indicate potential loopholes within the system that may be exploited for financial mismanagement.
He further emphasized the need for a clear distinction between different types of allowances, such as imprests, claims, and per diems, to prevent the misuse of taxpayer money.
The situation has been compounded by findings from the Auditor General’s report, which highlighted inconsistencies in the payment vouchers used to justify the per diem payments.
According to the report, there were instances where staff appeared to receive payments for more days than they actually worked, further casting doubt on the integrity of the financial processes within the Ministry of Mining.
In response to the allegations, PS Kaituko acknowledged the discrepancies and indicated that a thorough review of the payment vouchers from the fiscal year in question would be necessary.
He suggested that it might take up to a week to gather the required documentation to present to the PAC for further scrutiny.
However, this admission has done little to quell the concerns of the lawmakers, some of whom have called for a forensic audit to uncover any underlying issues and to close any potential avenues for corruption.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about the accountability of public officials and the need for stricter oversight of government expenditures.
Lawmakers like Butere MP Tindi Mwale, who chaired the PAC session, criticized the apparent lack of diligence in managing public funds, calling for more sincere and transparent practices within government departments.
Mwale highlighted the need for systemic reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future and to restore public trust in governmental operations.
This incident has become a focal point for debates on fiscal responsibility and the proper use of public resources in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of rigorous auditing and transparent reporting within government ministries.
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