County government could spend extra Sh22 million on salaries and travel for employees

The county government could spend an extra Sh22 million on salaries and travel for employees, according to revised budget estimates.

The county supplementary budget obtained by The Standard shows that the governor's office wants Sh20 million for remunerating its workers (permanent employees), who will also enjoy an extra Sh1 million for tours across the country.

This is in addition to another Sh1 million for accommodation in some of the country's high-end hotels.

Money set aside for domestic travel is in addition to another Sh18 million approved for foreign travel in the 2017-2018 financial year.

This amount was however not revised.

Also left intact is Sh5 million meant for entertainment, which includes receptions, gifts, food and drinks.

“The document is being discussed and when called upon, we are ready to go give our justifications. What we have is a proposal,” said one of the county executives who confirmed the authenticity of the document.

Money meant for basic salaries for permanent employees has shot from Sh5 million (approved estimates) to Sh26 million (revised), representing an increase of almost 20 per cent.

The document does not explain which workers will benefit from the additional money meant for salaries.

Currently, the county assembly's Budget and Appropriations Committee is holed up in Kisumu County discussing the proposed supplementary budget.

The estimates came to light even as concerns were raised over possible reductions in bursary allocations from Sh135 million to Sh60 million.

“Previously, each ward received Sh4.5 million but the current proposal puts the figure at Sh2 million, which is not enough. It would be prudent if the assembly did not approve the fund,” said Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya North Rift Chairman Sheikh Abubakar Bin.

Among Governor Jackson Mandago's proposals in the 2017-2018 financial year is a Sh54 million youth internship programme meant to help students by giving them a platform to gain more experience before they are employed.

The paid internship programme targets graduates from diploma and degree levels in the region. Each successful applicant is set to receive a stipend of Sh15,000 paid in phases.