Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago faces senate over Auditor queries

Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago, Friday gave clarification on audit queries raised by the Auditor General's (AG) report last year.

Speaking before the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) led by its chairperson Bonny Khalwale who visited him in his office, the governor said a number of issues raised were linked to the transition.

“All systems are in place and it is important for the committee to be on the ground so that they can get the truth,” Mandago stated.
Mandago was categorical that despite challenges experienced by most counties when they were formed, all the queries and recommendations in the report are being implemented.

Khalwale said the visit was meant to make clarification on issues put forward by the Auditor General.

Khalwale sought to find out if the county had set up a functional Integrated Financial Management Information System and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Database, which had earlier been raised by the AG.

Mandago maintained that changes have been made since they took over in 2013, adding that they have already set up systems to assist them in transparency and accountability.

“We have a data centre where all information is stored...,” he said.

He was put to task by Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, who sought to find out why the defunct county council collected more than the county when it came into force in 2013.

The governor explained that a number of people in the area who lack title deeds have not been paying land rates that has accrued to more than Sh450 million.

“There has been a culture where the public evade payment and mainly depend on waivers, while others do not see the importance of paying. We are working with chiefs and ward administrators to ensure the law is followed,” he said.