Uasin Gishu County Assembly has given its leader of government business 14 days to explain how Sh. 1m allocated for a primary school in Sergoit ward for a playing field was diverted unlawfully.
The county assembly also demanded an explanation why the contractor for the project was paid before the desired work was completed.
While giving his direction to a question raised by Sergoit ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) David Keitany why the chief officer (CO) Education, sports and culture diverted the funds allocated to Kipsinende primary to a different project, the county assembly speaker David Kiplagat said the allegations were weighty and gave the leader of government Josephat Lowoi and the relevant committee 14 days to investigate and present a report to the house.
In his statement, Keitany claimed that the Sh.1m was allocated to the primary school for the leveling of its playing field, erecting of a volleyball and football goalposts and a pavilion, but instead, the chief officer decided to divert the money to construct an ablution block.
“What informed the CO to change the desired project putting in mind that children in the school have no playing field at the moment and why did the CO pay the contractor before the desired project was completed?” he posed.
In his reply Lowoi agreed with the Sergoit MCA that there was a violation of the law in diverting funds without following procedure and requested for time to enable him and the education sports and culture committee to get the details of the matter.
“Implementation of projects in all counties are guided by planning documents, the annual development plans, county integrated developments plans, county fiscal strategy paper, and the Budget,” said Lowoi.
By Kiptanui Cherono
