13:08:2019: An Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission audit has revealed weaknesses, loopholes and inefficiencies in the Vihiga County government. These include failure to remit to the county revenue fund rent deductions collected from officers occupying county houses.

A Corruption Risk Assessment report detailing these findings was handed over to Governor Wilber Otichillo. It follows the Commission’s review of systems, policies, procedures and practices of the County Executive between 26^th November and 8^th December 2018 as part of the activities commemorating the International Anti-Corruption Day — 9^th December 2018.

The audit sought to identify corruption loopholes and to advise on how to seal them and promote good governance in the county.

Among its other findings were:

• Lack or failure to develop policy guidelines and operating procedures manuals.
• Undertaking unplanned procurement.
• Undertaking ad hoc recruitment, processing of salary dedications beyond two thirds, and having ghost workers in the payroll.
• Failure to surrender imprest on time and to adequately support payments.
• Lack of approved internal audit committee charters.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, EACC Vice-Chairperson Commissioner Sophia

Lepuchirit urged the Governor to implement the report’s recommendations in order to reduce corruption in the county. She also pledged the Commission’s support to help the county develop an implementation matrix and offered continued partnership in the graft war.

The CEO, through the Preventive Services Director, Mr. Vincent Okong’o, expressed the need for continued partnership with counties, and warned against the misuse of resources. He urged county workers to support the Commission in carrying out its corruption prevention work and to support the governor in implementing the report’s recommendations.

Governor Otichillo thanked the Commission for the timely report whose recommendations he promised to implement them to the letter.