Ouko-led taskforce to release its final report this month

The seven-member task force was mandated to review the county government's existing financial and other internal control systems, processes and procedures of Budget management and IFMIS operations. [iStockphoto]

A task force established by Governor James Orengo to audit the county's financial operations will release its report this month.

According to the task force's chairperson Edward Ouko, the final report will be released on January 20.

This comes after several weeks of anxiety, with residents and some local leaders accusing the task force of delaying in releasing the outcome of their audit.

The seven-member task force was mandated to review the county government's existing financial and other internal control systems, processes and procedures of Budget management and IFMIS operations.

The committee was also mandated to conduct audit of Own Source Revenue collection and utilization, integrity and efficiency of county government activities and supply chains, imprest accounts, retention accounts, pending bills, project management committee funds, payroll and staff establishment.

"The task force will also advise the county on sector-based growth and development," said Orengo, adding that it was also to advise on automation of county operations and e-governance.

Ouko explained that the issue of pending bills and sector-based growth as terms of reference for the job needs more time due to details that would go into it.

"We could not make it in time because there are areas that needed to investigate in depth. This is the progress report but the final report will be available on January 20," he said.

Ouko, who defended claims that the task force delayed in giving the findings of their audit, said they started the work late than had been expected.

When he unveiled a preliminary report last week, Mr Ouko revealed how at least Sh1 billion was lost in the two financial years.

According to the report, the county was in an upward trend in terms of revenue collection, adding that Siaya has the ability to collect up to Sh1.7 billion in a single year.

The report further noted that the poor working relationship between the executive and the assembly had hampered the budget-making process.

He said there are instances where the assembly discusses the budget and amends it without reference to the executive.