James Orengo has suspended procurement services and the payment of pending bills in Siaya County until a thorough audit is done.
The Siaya Governor also dismissed claims on the construction of the governor and deputy governor’s residences, saying that there was no valid contract for the works.
While addressing the media at the governor’s board room, governor Orengo who was flanked by his deputy, William Oduol and the county secretary, Joseph Ogutu cautioned a senior county government official who went to preside over a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction works.
He added that the official had no blessing from him, his deputy, or the county secretary.
“The official went there without authority because of the caveats we have in place and in any case, the current budget has no allocation for the construction of the residences” said Orengo.
Similarly, Orengo said his government will never engage in an exercise that has no authority in law and without budgetary allocation.
Likewise, the governor assured Siaya residents that the scarce county resources will be put in priority areas.
In addition, Orengo said the officer in question will face disciplinary action.
While commenting on pending bills, the Siaya governor said that a special audit will be carried out to determine their authenticity.
He further noted that the pending bills will be paid at the end of the exercise and only if they are based on legitimate contracts and that procurement processes were complied with.
“If for any reason we find a bill that was not authorized in accordance with appropriate statutes and laws, we will not allow such to be paid” Orengo noted.
Nevertheless, Orengo announced an immediate stop to all procurement services within the county, save for emergency supplies for the public hospitals and sanitation.
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He further mentioned that his government will undertake a restructuring aimed at improving services for the Siaya residents.
