Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee on Monday to address audit queries related to the county's 2024-25 financial statements. The committee raised concerns over a significant discrepancy involving a Sh5.8 billion figure listed as employee retirement benefits obligations under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The committee, chaired by Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang', questioned the accuracy of the amount, noting that it far exceeded the Sh417 million recorded for the Local Authorities Provident Fund (LAPFUND), another retirement scheme for county employees.
Nyong'o's finance executive clarified that the Sh5.8 billion figure was a typographical error and that the actual amount owed to NSSF was Sh500 million. The Auditor General’s representative confirmed this discrepancy had been noted in the audit report.
Senators, including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua, urged the county to improve the accuracy of its financial statements by engaging qualified financial experts and possibly revising the list of authorized signatories. They emphasized the need for transparency to ensure county employees and service providers receive due payments.
Isiolo Senator Fatma Dullo supported allowing the county team time to correct the errors and recommended a thorough review of all vote heads before the next submission.
Senate committee chair Kajwang' stated that the committee would issue a new set of specific questions to the Kisumu team for the next financial statement and highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability and clarity in the county’s financial reporting.
The meeting was adjourned with plans for the clerk of the House to communicate the necessary information and requirements for the committee’s forthcoming report.
