Senate to investigate Ksh 2B drop in revenue collection in Nakuru
The Senate has issued a warning to the Nakuru County government regarding the significant decline in revenue collection, which has decreased by Ksh 2 billion.
The Senate has announced its intention to investigate the decrease from Ksh 3.6 billion to Ksh 1.6 billion since the new government took office, citing concerns about corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
Senators cautioned that if the executive branch of the Nakuru County fails to adhere to court orders regarding the ongoing War Memorial Hospital situation, it could lead to disorder.
This concern arose during a two-day retreat at Sawela Lodge in Naivasha, where the Senate Liaison Committee, comprising various committee chairpersons, convened.
Mohammed Chute, the Committee Chair, expressed alarm at the significant decrease in revenue collection in the county and emphasized the necessity for thorough investigations.
The Marsabit Senator affirmed that the Senate would fulfill its oversight duties by examining the reasons behind the sharp decline in revenue collection within a one-year period.
“We are deeply concerned by the sharp drop in revenue collection in Nakuru and we shall definitely do our role of oversight by establishing where the problem is,” he said.
Chute reiterated concerns regarding the ongoing situation with the War Memorial Hospital, emphasizing that the county’s failure to comply with court orders was establishing an unfavorable precedent.
He criticized the County Assembly for aligning too closely with the Executive and neglecting its oversight responsibilities, which he believes has contributed to the current crisis.
“If we had ten other counties that decided to ignore court orders, this country could go the Somali way and it’s time we nipped this at the bud,” he said.
Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate, Tabitha Keroche, echoed similar sentiments, advocating for a review of the sudden decline in revenue collection.
She directed her criticism towards the county assembly, emphasizing its failure to fulfill its oversight responsibilities, which she believes has contributed to the current crisis in the county.
“Am petitioning the Senate to move with haste and investigate how revenue collection dropped from Ksh 3.6B to Ksh 1.6B as our MCAs have gone to bed with the Executive,” she said.
Regarding the hospital saga, she mentioned that more than 50 patients who depended on the facility for their medical coverage were left stranded with no alternatives.
She described the county’s continued occupation of the hospital, despite a court order against it, as both inhumane and illegal.
She urged the Senate committees on land and health to intervene in the matter.
“The only hope for residents of Nakuru and tens of dialysis patients lies with the Senate as the executive and police have refused to abide by court orders,” she said.
Keroche, who has been outspoken about the issue, highlighted that the prolonged dispute was inflicting immense suffering on families and patients, as well as undermining confidence among investors.
“The raid and continued ignorance of court orders has caused fear and anxiety among investors who are fleeing the county in hordes,” she said.
During the workshop, Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei remarked that there were numerous bills awaiting consideration in the Senate. He assured that preparations were in place as the House resumed its sittings.
“This is going to be one of the busiest sessions for Senators and we should plan and set our targets so that we can deal with bills on our tables,” he said.
In Other News: Govt Reveals Plans for Special Highway Features With New Fines
Senate to investigate Ksh 2B drop in revenue collection in Nakuru
