A recent audit conducted in Kiambu County has revealed concerning lapses in compliance with citizen participation laws in government planning and budgeting processes, sparking widespread concern among residents and stakeholders alike.
The audit findings shed light on significant irregularities in how the County Executive managed public participation in crucial decision-making processes, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and adherence to constitutional mandates.
Review of sampled payment records uncovered that the County Executive disbursed a temporary imprest totaling Kshs. 1,500,000 and Kshs. 750,000 for public participation on the 2023 County financial strategy paper and medium-term budget for the period 2023/24-2025/26 respectively.
However, further examination of imprest surrender documents revealed glaring discrepancies. The County Government selected only fifty representatives from each ward to participate in the process, despite earlier claims that public participation in the budget process was open to all residents of the county. Shockingly, the surrender vouchers lacked supporting documentation on how these representatives were selected, raising suspicions of favoritism and exclusionary practices.
Equally troubling was the absence of invitations to public participation or mechanisms to facilitate public communication and access to information for Kiambu County residents. An interview with County Management disclosed that no allowance or facilitation was provided to residents to participate in the process, contradicting constitutional provisions outlined in Article 174(c) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
The misuse of the Kshs. 1,500,000 temporary imprest to facilitate selected participants further compounds the issue, highlighting a lack of fiscal responsibility and proper governance protocols within the County Executive. Such actions not only violate legal obligations but also erode public trust in the county’s leadership and governance structures.
In light of these findings, it is evident that Management’s actions constitute a breach of the law, necessitating immediate corrective measures and accountability mechanisms. Kiambu County must prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to constitutional principles in its decision-making processes to restore public confidence and ensure effective governance for all residents.
