NAIROBI, Kenya – Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and his finance team have been directed to revise and resubmit the county’s 2024-25 financial statements after the Senate County Public Accounts Committee uncovered major discrepancies during a review of the Auditor General’s report.
The committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’, halted the proceedings on Monday after questioning inconsistencies in the county’s financial records, particularly a reported Sh5.8 billion liability to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Appearing before the committee to respond to audit queries, Nyong’o’s delegation was put on the spot after senators questioned how the county could owe such a substantial amount to NSSF while also listing Sh417 million under the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPFUND).
Kajwang’ expressed concern over the figures, saying the reported NSSF liability appeared unusually high and required clarification.
However, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Finance dismissed the figure as a typographical error, explaining that the county’s actual NSSF obligation stood at approximately Sh500 million and not Sh5.8 billion.
The Auditor General’s representative confirmed that the discrepancy had been captured in the audit findings, prompting senators to question how such a significant error escaped the county’s internal review before the statements were submitted.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei challenged the county administration to explain why the mistake was not detected earlier, arguing that financial statements submitted to Parliament should meet the highest standards of accuracy.
The committee urged the county government to strengthen its financial reporting processes ahead of preparing the 2025-26 accounts.
Kajwang’ said the committee’s role was not to punish the county administration but to ensure public funds are properly accounted for and that employees and service providers have a clear record of what they are owed.
He noted that the quality of the submitted financial statements and the competence of those who prepared and signed them had contributed to the current situation.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua called on Governor Nyong’o to review the officials responsible for signing the county’s financial statements, recommending that only professionals in good standing with their respective regulatory bodies be entrusted with the task.
Kajwang’ backed the proposal, saying mistakes by technical officers ultimately tarnish the governor’s leadership.
Isiolo Senator Fatma Dullo supported giving the county administration additional time to correct the mathematical and reporting errors, noting that the financial figures involved were significant and required careful verification.
She urged the county to thoroughly review every vote head before submitting revised accounts to Parliament.
The committee adjourned the session, with Kajwang’ directing that the Senate Clerk communicate the additional information required from Kisumu County before the committee prepares its final report.