Several Kenya prisons bio-gas systems incomplete, faulty despite use of millions of shillings

The Auditor General has raised a red flag over use of Sh96 million for construction of bio-gas plants in 14 prisons across the country.

The report observes that it was clearly evident that not only was the project being mismanaged, but its overall objective may not be achieved.

The report says the project was estimated to cost Sh122, 129,538 and so far only 80 per cent of the money has been used up, with only four of the 14 plants being partially operational.

"Audit verification in sampled prisons revealed various anomalies. For example, out of the fourteen 14 biogas projects, only four projects are partially operational at Embu Main, Embu Women, Kisumu Main and Kitui Main prisons while the rest are either incomplete or not operational," say the report.

It further indicates that an audit inspection undertaken at Nairobi Remand and Allocation in March revealed that the bio-gas plant was not yet operational yet the contractor, who has since abandoned the site, has been paid the full contract sum of Sh7, 500,724.

Evidence made available for audit also indicates only 10 per cent of the works at the Bungoma Prison has been done despite 87 per cent of the total allocation (Sh3, 928,551) having been spent.

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According to the report, Sh46, 481,255.00 or 93 per cent of the contract amount was paid for four bio-gas plants contracted to private companies. However, none is working.

Inflated prices

The report also reveals that Kenya Prisons Service procured goods from suppliers at inflated prices resulting in loss of Sh62,512,859 contrary to Public Procurement and Disposal Regulations, which require that a procuring entity should not pay in excess of the prevailing market price.

According to Ouko, records maintained at various GK prisons indicate bills totaling Sh264, 841,063 were incurred during the 2013- 2014 financial year without authorisation of the accounting officer.

He says that Sh65, 028,089 was also spent on procurement of goods and services without authority of the accounting officers in Kibos Main, Rumuruti and Nanyuki prisons.

At Kibos Main Prison, the report says, the irregularly procured goods and services in respect for food and firewood were purchased from non-qualified suppliers and some had no supporting documents.