By Jabali Media
Busia governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma has barred senior county officials from foreign trips during a two-week audit exercise period. The exercise, presided over by officers from the Auditor General’s office runs from September 03 to September 23, 2024.
During that period, Otuoma said Busia County Executive Committee Members (CECMs), Chief Officers and Directors are expected to be readily available to respond to any queries from the auditors, or provide the necessary documentation.
“As they begin their legal and constitutional mandate to audit financial statements of the year 2023/2024 of our County, my administration is committed to cooperate with the Auditor General's team,” Otuoma said, while addressing the officers and auditors at the Busia Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), on Tuesday.
“In fact, I am banning any travel plans of my senior officers outside the County during the 14-day period of auditing, with a view to enabling them to avail all the required and supporting documents for expenditure for scrutiny,” he emphasised.
The former Funyula Member of Parliament (MP) directed departmental accountants, chief officers and directors to avail relevant documents that will provide proper financial audits.
He expressed his commitment to financial accountability and proper use of public resources, geared towards ensuring that the people of Busia get value for their money.
Meanwhile, governor Otuoma’s administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Red Cross Society of Kenya, aimed at improving disaster response mechanisms in the border county.
“As the Patron of the Society in Busia, I wish to reiterate that we value this renewed working partnership and look forward towards implementing and strengthening key focal areas in our agreement, including disaster risk management, mitigation and response, health, capacity building of affected communities and warehouse services, among others,” said the county boss.
On his part, Red Cross Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris said there was an urgent need for continued support in delivery of humanitarian services and disaster response initiatives.
