Homa Bay county government has described as inaccurate the report by the Controller of Budget regarding the first quarter of the county’s 2023/2024 financial expenditure.
The report indicated that in the first quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year, the county had zero expenditure on development.
The devolved unit believes that the report does not correctly reflect the activities and financial management during that period.
In a press statement, Governor Gladys Wanga said the county has made significant progress in various development projects and initiatives focused on improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other key sectors.
Wanga singled out the completion of the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay town, the construction of the Outpatient Department at the County Referral Hospital, and the maternity unit at the Rachuonyo District Hospital, Magina Health Centre, Miniambo, among other hospitals.
“The county has also taken steps to modernize agriculture through the purchase of tractors and has upgraded several ECD centers, with plans to construct an additional 240,” the statement read in part.
According to Wanga, they made efforts to bring Kigoto Maize Millers into operation, and interventions in the water sector have led to increased access to clean and safe water by up to 30 percent.
She argued that her administration has also focused on developing and revamping tourism sites, such as Lake Simbi Nyaima.
She believes that those developments and others signify the county's commitment to improving the overall well-being and prosperity of its residents.
“The strives have been made despite the disbursements from the National Treasury being irregular, with capitation for July only available for use at the end of August and the August capitation not arriving until October 2023,” Wanga said.
The county argued that they only received one capitation in the entire quarter during the period.
Wanga said they are committed to promoting development and improving the welfare of its residents despite the challenges.
She said they are working closely with the relevant authorities to address any concerns raised regarding our expenditure and to ensure transparency and accountability in our financial management.
The governor said they remain committed to promoting sustainable development and ensuring the effective utilization of public funds for the benefit of the people.
“We assure the public that the county's expenditure on development projects and initiatives is in line with budgetary allocations and is being executed properly,” she added.