The National Assembly Public Accounts Committee inquired into the spending of Ksh244 million by Labour Principal Secretary Joseph Motari, as the State Department for Social Protection faced allegations of failing to justify the expenses.
On Monday, lawmakers raised concerns regarding the absence of proper documentation to substantiate the authorization of this expenditure. This scrutiny followed the revelation in an Auditor General’s report, which stated that the department had disbursed Kshs244,901,512 for the purchase of materials and supplies without appropriate support.
Consequently, the committee sought a response from the PS concerning audit queries that exposed the lack of a financial schedule, as required by law.
Suba MP John Mbadi, who chairs the committee, additionally pressed for an explanation as to how the PS seemingly circumvented procurement regulations in the procurement of specialized materials and supplies.
“The law is very clear that such expenditure must be supported by the schedule… why did the Department overlook the law?” questioned Mbadi, an opposition politician affiliated with the Azimio coalition.
In contrast to the findings of the auditor’s report, Motari maintained that the expenses were incurred in the acquisition of food, medical supplies, uniforms, and clothing. He clarified that these items were provided to children’s rehabilitation schools, rescue centers, remand homes, and vocational rehabilitation centers.
He also noted that the Remand Homes had not submitted their returns on time at the time of the audit, and he submitted the necessary supporting documents to the Committee.
The State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs operates within the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. It was established in the current year as part of a government reorganization under Executive Order No. 1 of 2023.
Its primary responsibility is to safeguard and protect the rights and welfare of all children through coordination, supervision, and the provision of services, as stipulated in the Constitution and the Children Act of 2022. The department is also responsible for disbursing cash transfers to older persons, individuals with disabilities, orphans, and vulnerable children.
