Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o says in a new report that counties are spending millions of shillings on non-essentials such as travel. It shows that MCAs are pocketing millions in sitting allowances, some exceeding the cap set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission. Nairobi City, Machakos, Meru, Kitui, Kiambu, Kisii and Nyeri spent Sh297.97 million, Sh283.40 million, Sh264.09 million, Sh249.63 million, Sh245.10 million, Sh213.69 million and Sh202.23 million respectively. MCA also pocketed millions of shillings in sitting allowances despite the scaled down activities during the period under review. According to the report, the counties spent Sh221.39 billion during the period, representing 44.2 per cent of the total annual county governments' budgets.

Source: The Star June 10, 2021 02:03 UTC