NTV-NEWS-UPDATE-GIF-HD
Bomet on the spot over Sh373m road equipment mismanagement
After spending Sh373 million to purchase heavy equipment for road construction, Bomet County has little to show for it in the last year, a revelation that has kicked up a storm.
Questions have been asked about whether the residents were getting value for the millions of taxpayers’ money used to purchase the 12 road construction equipment and trucks mid-last year.
It has also emerged that a whistle-blower had written to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Controller of Budget, Auditor General, Senate, Members of the National Assembly, County Assembly, and other relevant government institutions to probe the purchase of the equipment.
In a letter dated May 16, 2024, which is a follow-up to another one written on June 2, 2023, the whistleblower had asked the institutions to establish whether public participation was done before the colossal sums of taxpayers’ money were committed.
“The machines were bought yet it was not included in the County Integrated Development Plans 2018-2022 and was not in the Annual Development Plan 2022-2023, which is a legal requirement,” the whistleblower claimed.
He also wants the institutions in the spirit of transparency and accountability “to establish how much money was allocated, the actual cost of the equipment and who won the tender”
“I am inviting your offices to establish whether the purchase was in the work plan, budget approvals… whether public participation was done, were budgeted processes followed and were legal requirement adhered to”
Gross misconduct
Despite Sh40 million being budgeted for fuelling the equipment in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, upgrades of some roads have only been undertaken in eight civic wards out of the 25 in five sub-counties – Bomet East, Bomet Central, Chepalungu, Sotik and Ndanai.
The issue is threatening to cost the job of County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Roads, Public Works, and Transport Erick, Kipkoech Ngetich, following an impeachment motion tabled at the assembly.
Mr Ngetich is among two other CECs – Andrew Sigei (Finance and Economic Planning) and Dr Joseph Kirui (Administration, Public Service, and Special Programmes— who have been cited for alleged gross misconduct, non-disclosure of facts, flouting the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act in an impeachment motion at the assembly.
The motion is scheduled for debate next week.
Mr Peter Mutai, the Sigor ward Member of the County Assembly, while tabling the motion last week, said Mr Ngetich had failed to implement projects duly approved in the county budget, contrary to financial management principles under the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.
“Despite the county spending over Sh300 million on the purchase of heavy machinery (for road construction), only eight of the 25 wards have utilised the resources. This is despite arrangements and an adequate fuel provision of Sh40 million. This is unacceptable,” Mr Mutai stated.
Most of the heavy machinery, he said, has been grounded for significant periods, demonstrating a lack of proper management and utilisation in violation of the principles of public service under Section 10(b) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012.
Cheaper cost
Issues have also been raised by the MCAs over the ownership of the equipment with the CEC having failed to provide the logbooks to demonstrate it was paid for in full and is owned by the county government.
Governor Hillary Barchok unveiled the equipment in September 2023 during a function attended by Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, Emurrua Dikir Member of Parliament Johana Ngeno, and his Chepalungu counterpart Victor Koech and Bomet MCAs at Bomet Green Stadium.
“We will use the machines to open up rural roads at a cheaper cost as opposed to issuing contracts and ensure that the people have good infrastructural facilities to spur economic growth,” Professor Barchok said at the time.
Mr Ngetich allegedly neglected the maintenance of county vehicles leading to deterioration and inefficiency in service delivery contrary to the principles of public service under the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, Section 11(a) which mandates effective management of public resources.
“The CEC (Mr Ngetich) has failed to explain how he utilised Sh195 million for county major roads and Sh78 million for cross-cutting roads (joining two civic wards) in the fiscal year 2023-2024. In light of the fact there are no projects worth the amount, it can only be concluded that the amount has been misappropriated…” Mr Mutai said.
“This reflects incompetent leadership, and a failure to effectively manage and distribute county resources, as the machinery was intended to serve all wards equally and benefit the entire county”
Mr Ngetich was accused of failing “to provide detailed expenditure reports when requested on three separate occasions by the County Assembly Committee on Roads, Transport and Public Works. This lack of transparency and accountability violates the principle of good governance and oversight…”
“He has failed to address the growing number of unexplained pending bills, which continue to increase under his tenure, reflecting gross incompetence and mismanagement of county resources”
Mr Ngetich said in a recent interview that the heavy rainfall and floods experienced in the early part of the year in the country had affected the implementation matrix for the road projects in the counties.
But since the rains subsided, the road upgrade is yet to resume in the civic wards with issues raised by the public on the whereabouts of the machines.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.