The Special Funds Accounts Committee of the National Assembly has raised alarm over more than Ksh 3.8 billion lying idle in the State Officers and Public Officers Motor Car Loan Scheme Fund.
The MPs are questioning the fund’s relevance and effectiveness, citing its low uptake and limited visibility among eligible beneficiaries.
This came to light during a sitting of the Committee chaired by Migori, Woman Representative Fatuma Zainab, where members met with officials from the Fund and the Office of the Auditor General to review recent audit reports.
While chairing the session, Mbooni MP Kivasu Nzioka questioned why the fund had received such low uptake from eligible state and public officers, noting that the management had resorted to investing the funds in Treasury Bills to avoid keeping the money idle.
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Edna Atisa, told the Committee that as of June 30, 2023, only Ksh 225 million had been utilized.
She attributed the low uptake to limited awareness of the fund among public servants and further stated that efforts to increase visibility through sensitization campaigns had been implemented.
The Committee emphasized the importance of ensuring that public resources are actively serving their intended purpose and not left unused, especially when they can support the welfare of public officers.
The Committee further instructed the fund’s management to provide evidence linked to the fund’s financial activities.
Legislators spoke on the importance of ensuing public funds are well managed and utilized. The Committee will conduct further investigations into the matter then prepare a report to be tabled in the House.
Christine Muchira
