Sports PS Kaberia put to task over Ksh 1.7 billion expenditure

Principal Secretary for Sports Peter Kaberia had a hard time on Monday when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly over the Sh1.7 billion scandal that has rocked his docket regarding the 2017 IAAF Under-18 World Youth Championship.

The PS was adamant that there is no single coin which cannot be accounted and all the funds were used appropriately during the championship.

However, the committee members questioned the expenditure saying that it was wrought with procurement irregularities such as single sourcing, unsupported expenditure, unaccounted for medical supplies and lack of documentation to prove expenditure.

The alleged misuses of the funds were unearthed by Auditor-General Edward Ouko in his July audit report tabled in the National Assembly by Leader of Majority Aden Duale.

However members of the committee led by the chair, Ugenya MP Opiyo Wandayi, raised various questions on direct tendering, cost of items and services procured and conflict of interest in awarding of tenders.

The committee members poked holes on payment of Ksh 27 Million to two law firms despite the fact that there was not much legal work required at time the competition took place.

‘’Why was it necessary to tender for two private law firms which are generally very expensive and yet there is an office of the attorney general that you could have used,” quipped Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo.

Another item that raised eyebrows was the procurement of Pewin Cabs at a cost of Ksh 23 million for transport, and Pewin Drycleaners who were paid Ksh 30 million for doing laundry.

The PS was at pains to convince members that the two companies had different owners despite having the same name.

What was more worrying is that the Local Organizing Committee was negotiating the contract cost way after the services had been delivered and the event was over.

‘”With all this inconsistencies is it fair to say Kenyans lost money during this event?” asked Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

The chairperson of the committee Opiyo Wandayi also directed the ministry to recover mobile phones acquired at a cost of Ksh 3 Million and given to officers during the event.

The PS had defended the purchase of the phones despite admitting the ministry is not in possession of the phones.