MoE on Spot over CBC funds. The Ministry of Education is on the spot over several irregularities committed during the construction CBC classrooms worth four point five billion shillings.
In the report for the financial year 2021/2022, the Auditor General quotes various irregularities that were noted during the procurement of the classrooms.
The anomalies range from unsupported procurement methods, irregular pricing of the classrooms and the unsupported procurement and irregularities in the supply of desktop computers.
From the statement of receipts and payments it was noted that thirty point five billion shillings under expenditure was transferred to other government units which includes an amount of Sh19,971,035,325 in respect of transfers to national government entities out of which Sh4,476,068,016 was used in the construction of CBC classrooms. Various anomalies were identified according to the reports from Auditor General.
In addition, Auditor General also raised concerns that the 4.5 billion shillings was approved against an expenditure budget of 2.7 billion shillings resulting in an unapproved over-expenditure of 1.8 billion shillings.
The report further adds that the circumstances, the accuracy, completeness, validity and regularity of the expenditure amounting to 1,784,068,016 shillings could not be confirmed as a proper charge to public funds.
The Auditor General further raised concerns that State Department Management did not provide for audit explanations and documentation on the procurement method used on the tenders for the construction of the said classrooms and how the various contractors were identified.
On pricing of construction of the classrooms which the education ministry tendered at a cost of Sh709,398 for each classroomclassroom across the country, the Auditor raised concerns that it is not clear how the amount was arrived at taking into consideration the terrain and topographical layout across the country making it impossible to have a standard rate.
The auditor points an accusing finger to the management for failing to provide for bills of quantities, market surveys and status reports on the construction of the classrooms.
The auditor regretted that the procurement and payments of the contractors were made outside the e-procurement system which was contrary to Regulation 49(2) of the Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Regulations, 2020 which provides that the conduct of e-procurement procedures for the supply of goods works and services shall be carried out by a procuring entity using an e-procurement system which is integrated to the state portal.
MoE on Spot over CBC funds for breaching the law in the procurement and award of the contract for the construction of the CBC classrooms.
