In Summary
Although it is true that most local authorities lack
qualified staff such as accountants, internal auditors or engineers to
supervise construction projects, sleaze, irresponsible behaviour and the
get-rich-quickly syndrome gripping some executives are squarely to
blame.
Touted as the best means to mobilise resources
for effective service provision at the grassroots, local councils have
become a disgrace, as most of them are mired in corruption. The graft in
local governments is deeply rooted in several areas, but the most
notorious is the award of tenders for development projects, including
schools, health centres and roads.
More often, inexperienced and ill-equipped
contractors are selected to execute key projects. This explains the
widespread shoddy work on public buildings and roads.
In other words, the value-for-money principle
means very little or nothing at all to some local authority executives.
Outspoken, poorly paid councillors are simply bribed to keep quiet about
questionable expenditures. Corruption has become the biggest hindrance
to the efficient implementation of public projects.
Millions of shillings are lost through
over-invoicing in the purchase of goods and services. Local authorities
hardly adhere to the procurement law, creating a fertile ground for
unscrupulous staff to engage in dubious deals. The authorities are also
notorious for spending billions of shillings on ghost workers.
Although it is true that most local authorities
lack qualified staff such as accountants, internal auditors or engineers
to supervise construction projects, sleaze, irresponsible behaviour and
the get-rich-quickly syndrome gripping some executives are squarely to
blame. And it is the poor villagers and urban taxpayers who suffer the
most as this mediocrity and plunder take root.
We commend Parliament’s Local Authorities Accounts
Committee for exposing the rot in various councils. The committee has
in the past requested the Controller and Auditor General to conduct
special audit in many district councils.
It has also been recommended that the stolen funds
be recovered from the errant district council executives’ salaries and
their ill-gotten wealth forfeited to the government. Such drastic
measures will go along way towards restoring public trust in local
government authorities.
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