A recent report from the Auditor-General has revealed discrepancies in the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) management under Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru popularly known as MejjaDonk.
The audit covers the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, exposing issues with fund allocation and expenditure.
The audit summary shows that the actual expenditure for the year totaled Ksh 180,280,006 against a budget of Ksh 187,943,507 which resulted in an under-expenditure of Ksh 7,663,501 or 10% of the budget.
During the 2022 general election MejjaDonk retained his seat securing 48,277 votes on a United Democratic Alliance ticket, defeating Jubilee candidate Samuel Ng’ang’a who received 29,375 votes.
Embakasi Central, part of Nairobi’s 17 constituencies, spans five wards: Kayole North, Kayole Central, Kayole South, Komarock and Matopeni/Spring Valley.
The audit report reveals several financial irregularities.
Asset Acquisition and Expenditures: An asset acquisition amounting to Ksh 249,794 was recorded and Ksh 360,000 meant for staff allowances was incorrectly charged to the “use of goods and services” category.
Documentation and Contracts: Expenditures totaling Ksh 10,948,956 for goods and services included Ksh 469,500 with no supporting payment vouchers while compensation of Ksh 4,032,645 for employees who lacked employment contracts and recruitment details.
Bank Reconciliation: Unpresented cheques totaled Ksh 7,966,308, with Ksh 4,402,047 dated between June 2019 and December 2021 marked as stale. Bursary payments worth Ksh 2,755,000 were among these, raising doubts about whether they were issued to students and the vetting process.
Emergency Projects: Ksh 9,600,790 was allocated for emergency projects, but the approved project code list showed an allocation of Ksh 7,192,207, leading to an unexplained over-expenditure of Ksh 2,408,583. Documentation for these emergency activities was missing.
Fixed Assets: The fixed asset register showed a historical cost of Ksh 91,152,437, including land valued at Ksh 58,000,000. However, ownership documents for the land were not provided, casting doubt on the accuracy and ownership of this asset.
Bursary Expenditure: Ksh 55,288,800 was allocated for bursaries, but the management failed to establish a subcommittee for education bursaries, mock examinations and continuous assessment tests.
