Editor's Review

Nairobi MCAs are seeking compliance from the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) regarding summons to account for financial expenditure by the entity.

Members of the Nairobi County Assembly have directed officials from the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to appear before various committees to explain the expenditure of funds allocated to entity by the county.

This is after the Ward Representatives revealed that NMS is yet to file quarterly financial reports since assuming control of some of the county's key functions.

The MCAs argue that the entity was required by the County Revenue Allocations Act to submit reports on its expenditure to the county assembly.

Robert Mbatia, chairman of the Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee stated that the submissions would be in line with the Deed of Transfer of Functions between Nairobi County and the National government.

File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director general Mohammed Badi. |Photo| Courtesy|

Mbatia added that the NMS reports were crucial in the assembly's budget appropriation process.

He reiterated that NMS's reluctance to submit the reports, strains the county's understanding of the progress made in the transferred functions and how they are affected.

"As much as NMS is under the Office of the President, we are following the law. The NMS should therefore, furnish the committee with a breakdown of the utilisation of the funds," Mbatia stated.

The MCAs awarded the General Mohammed Badi-led entity Ksh27.1 billion for the current fiscal year.

"Entities must put in the same effort they to bid for resources in accounting for what they are granted in order to help committees track implementation and absorption," he added.

The Kenyan Constitution requires that in the event of a transfer of functions to an entity, the National Treasury shall prepare quarterly reports and submit them to the Senate, National Assembly and the respective county assembly.

The deed for transfer of functions between Nairobi and the National government indicated that NMS shall present an annual report to parliament, Senate, and the county assembly.

"This means the city-county assembly can summon NMS officers and managers when need arises. It is part of our oversight mandate," Mbatia stated.

File image of Nairobi Metropolitan Services Director general Mohammed Badi. |Photo |Courtesy|