Governor Natembeya Defends Unauthorized Ksh9.4M Kitale Hospital Funds

The Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee is investigating financial mismanagement at Kitale Referral Hospital following the discovery of a Ksh9.4 million unauthorized withdrawal from the hospital’s revenue account. The funds, which were allegedly used to cover Trans Nzoia’s participation in the 2023 Devolution Conference, were reportedly withdrawn without approval from the hospital’s board.

The Auditor General’s report on the hospital’s financial statements for the 2023/2024 fiscal year raised significant concerns, revealing missing records from the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years. This gap made it difficult for auditors to assess the financial situation of the hospital accurately.

Senator Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), chair of the committee, expressed strong disapproval of the situation, accusing Governor George Natembeya’s administration of incompetence. Osotsi emphasized that public funds must always be properly accounted for.

Governor Natembeya admitted to the unauthorized withdrawal but defended it as a “necessary borrowing” due to the absence of a specific budget for the Devolution Conference. However, Senator Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia) criticized the governor for the lack of crucial financial records, calling it a severe governance failure.

The audit also uncovered various financial discrepancies, including the absence of a general ledger and trial balance, inaccuracies in cash balances, and poorly maintained cashbooks. Additionally, there were concerns about potential theft or loss of hospital supplies due to undisclosed inventory.

Senator William Kisang (Elgeyo Marakwet) has called for an investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), urging a special audit into the matter. The Committee has given Governor Natembeya’s administration seven days to submit all missing financial records, including certified bank statements and detailed explanations of the anomalies.