The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget has given Migori County seven days to align its procurement records with those of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). This directive follows concerns over delayed submission of key procurement documents, which hampered proper scrutiny.

During a session chaired by Mandera Senator Ali Roba, the committee highlighted that although Migori County provided written responses, the supporting documents arrived only on the morning of the meeting. This late submission denied senators and the regulator adequate time for thorough examination.

Committee Emphasizes Timely Compliance

Senator Roba underscored the importance of adhering to parliamentary timelines, which require documents to be submitted at least seven days before committee appearances. This ensures effective oversight and allows regulators to prepare technical assessments in advance.

"Once a letter is written to you, please submit the documents within the timeline specified in the letter, so that before you appear, we can share with the respective authorities in time and ensure senators interact with the documents," Roba stated.

PPRA Assessment and Follow-up

Following the late submissions, the committee accepted a request from PPRA to analyze the procurement records against those in the Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP). The county will be recalled after PPRA completes its evaluation and presents its findings.

Senators Demand Clarity on Procurement Irregularities

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch called on PPRA to provide a detailed report on any procurement irregularities, including contract cancellations, supplier debarments, and the financial impact on county projects. He also sought clarification on whether any national funds had been withheld or delayed due to these issues.

Governor Attributes Challenges to Technical Gaps

Governor Ochillo Ayacko acknowledged compliance shortcomings during the 2022/23 financial year, citing a lack of technical expertise as the main cause. He noted that in June 2023, the county’s Department of Finance and Economic Planning conducted in-house training with support from a PPRA IT expert to improve staff capacity on the Public Procurement Information Portal.

Universal Health Coverage Funding Appeal

Governor Ayacko also requested legislative assistance to secure permanent and pensionable status for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff amid an ongoing nurses’ strike. Senator Roba confirmed that the Senate had allocated funds for UHC staff under the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill and pledged to advocate for expedited passage in the National Assembly.