ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya — A recent audit of Elgeyo Marakwet County’s finances has flagged significant gaps in spending, prompting swift responses from county leaders who have pledged to address the discrepancies. The audit, conducted by national oversight authorities, identified areas of concern in budgeting, procurement, and disbursement processes across multiple departments. Governor Wisley Rotich and Finance Executive Alphaeus Tanui confirmed that the county had formally responded to the findings through the Senate and committed to implementing corrective measures.
The audit report, released earlier this month, highlighted inconsistencies in record-keeping, irregular expenditure, and delayed project completion in key sectors such as infrastructure and social services. Observers noted that while some gaps were linked to administrative inefficiencies, others raised questions about compliance with national financial management regulations. County officials, alongside departmental heads and representatives from the Auditor-General’s office, convened to review the audit findings and draft an action plan aimed at tightening internal controls, improving transparency, and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently.
Reactions from the public and stakeholders have been mixed. Civil society groups welcomed the audit as a step toward accountability and urged swift implementation of recommendations. Local residents expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that improved financial oversight could accelerate development projects, enhance service delivery, and restore trust in county governance. Looking forward, the county government plans to roll out a comprehensive financial management training program for staff and strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent future irregularities, signaling a renewed commitment to prudent management of public resources in Elgeyo Marakwet.