Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has urged for a more efficient strategy for county oversight, stating that repeated audits and continuous summonses by the Senate hinder service delivery and impose undue stress on county administrations.
In an interview on Radio Generation, Natembeya stated that governors back accountability entirely but claimed that the existing oversight system frequently duplicates procedures and hampers progress.
“Devolution continues to develop.” It’s a trial, and individuals are gaining knowledge along the way. “When difficulties occur, they ought to be recognized and handled,” he stated on Wednesday, adding that counties receive yearly audits from the Office of the Auditor-General of Kenya and experience no issues with the procedure.
Natembeya during the interview maintained that Trans Nzoia County expenditure adheres to the set standard set by the constitution.
He maintained that the disbursement of money is always based on sanctioned budgets and follows official approval.
“We haven’t encountered any major problems aside from delays.” “At times, contractors finish their work, but receiving payment is delayed due to prolonged approval processes, adding another bureaucratic layer,” he stated.
He mentioned that Senate supervision via committees like the Senate County Public Accounts Committee and the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee can be redundant, as governors are occasionally called multiple times regarding the same matters even after providing the necessary documents.
“Typically, individuals attend the Senate with the matters already settled.” “During an audit, you may miss the deadline for submitting a document, but after it is presented, you are summoned again and provide the same explanations,” he stated.
“When individuals discuss extortion, they occasionally overstate the situation.” There is also a trend to suggest that the Senate is above governors. No one is above others; we are all chosen to serve the community. “We ought to connect as a devolution family,” he said.
