Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro leading proceedings on February 4, 2014. PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI | FILE
NATION MEDIA GROUP
Senators have written to the Treasury
demanding to know the status of Sh6.8 billion meant for marginalised
regions following fears that it may have been diverted.
The lawmakers want to know if the Equalisation Fund for underdeveloped areas was intact.
They also seek answers on the Treasury’s progress in drafting regulations guiding its distribution.
They also seek answers on the Treasury’s progress in drafting regulations guiding its distribution.
In
each of the past two Budgets, the Treasury allocated the Fund Sh3.4
billion, making the vote Sh6.8 billion so far. However, the money has
remained unused due to lack of regulations for its distribution.
The rules are expected to identify priority areas, criteria for allocation and how the money will be evaluated.
The
senators expressed concern that Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich
was under pressure to allow MPs to play a role in the distribution of
the billions.
They have demanded documentary evidence proving that the money is safe.
They have demanded documentary evidence proving that the money is safe.
The
Senate Finance Committee said the money should not be diverted as it
was meant for improving the lives of people who have been marginalised
for decades.
“The Treasury has an account for the Fund
and what we are asking is evidence to show the money is safely kept,”
said Mr Billow Kerrow, the committee’s chairman.
He
said the ministry was under pressure to disburse the fund through
constituencies despite the Constitution allowing only the national and
the county government to touch the cash.
“We will not accept that.”
“We will not accept that.”
Leaders are worried
The leaders are worried that a year after the first Sh3.4 billion was allocated, the Treasury could have been tempted to re-allocate it elsewhere.
The leaders are worried that a year after the first Sh3.4 billion was allocated, the Treasury could have been tempted to re-allocate it elsewhere.
“We would like documentary evidence to
prove this money has not been spent elsewhere,” Kakamega Senator Boni
Khalwale told the Nation on phone. “With the history of our Treasury,
this money could have been directed elsewhere.”
Majority Whip Beatrice Elachi said the cash should not be touched until the rules come into effect.
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