Senate Committee questions Governor Sakaja over Alcoholic drinks board finances

Senate Committee questions Governor Sakaja over Alcoholic drinks board finances

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds, led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, met with Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja. The meeting aimed to address concerns detailed in the Auditor-General's reports scrutinizing the financial statements of the Nairobi City County Alcoholic Drinks Control and Licensing Board for the years ending 30th June 2020, 30th June 2021, and 30th June 2022.

The Committee highlighted significant issues raised by the Auditor-General, including the board's failure to submit financial statements for several prior years and late submissions in other instances. The reports repeatedly received a "Disclaimer of Opinion" – indicating serious concerns about the financial records' accuracy. 

Previously, the County Assembly Select Committee on Public Accounts recommended an investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) into unsupported payments and receipts.

In light of these findings, the Senate Committee announced several resolutions. Senator Osotsi declared, "We will raise this matter of the conduct of the involved accountants with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). Further, we hereby direct the secretariat to write a letter to ICPAK informing them of the Committee's resolution." Osotsi added that the Committee would also request the DCI and EACC to expedite their ongoing investigations and report on their findings. 

Finally, the committee noted it will use the written submissions provided by the County to inform its report, subject to the outcome of the ongoing investigations.