Kenya National Assembly Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Fraud and Irregularities

The Kenyan National Assembly is once again under fire, this time facing accusations of fraudulent mileage claims and mismanagement of funds.

An audit report by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu reveals significant irregularities in the way parliamentarians claim travel allowances, raising concerns about the potential misuse of public funds. The report finds that Members of Parliament (MPs) submitted claims totalling Sh 61 million for travelling to their constituencies without providing any evidence to support their journeys. This raises serious questions about the existing oversight mechanisms as the claims were reportedly approved solely based on the submitted forms, creating a clear loophole in the system.

This is not the first time the National Assembly has faced criticism over mileage claims. Previously, instances of fraudulent behaviour were discovered including claims for vehicles no longer in operation and claims submitted by legislators who used air travel or did not travel at all. In response to these findings, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launched investigations. However, MPs have defended their actions by stating that their benefits were approved by the relevant authorities, including the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

They argue that the EACC's findings highlight shortcomings in the established systems rather than individual wrongdoings. The issue of mileage claims is further complicated by the varying travel distances between Nairobi and different constituencies. MPs representing regions located farther away such as the Coast, North Eastern, and Western regions can claim significantly larger sums compared to their closer counterparts. This discrepancy has fueled debate, with the SRC advocating for the elimination of the mileage allowance altogether.

Beyond the travel claims, the audit report also identifies practices related to the management of staff in constituency offices. The report reveals instances of employees working without formal contracts, lacking proper salary scales, and facing withheld statutory deductions like PAYE, NSSF, and NHIF contributions. This raises concerns about potential labour rights violations and financial mismanagement.

Furthermore, the report highlights irregularities in spending on office supplies, with an estimated Sh35 million spent outside of established procurement regulations. This further underscores the need for tighter controls and stricter adherence to financial regulations within the National Assembly. The revelations from the audit report have sparked public outrage and calls for accountability from the National Assembly.