Auditor General raises concerns over borehole and seedling supplies

Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has flagged irregularities in the livestock development department concerning the procurement and distribution of tree seedlings to several counties, involving a total of Sh449.3 million.

She also raised concerns about substandard workmanship in the drilling of boreholes, despite expenditures of approximately Sh70 million.

According to the report, some boreholes failed to yield water, while others produced water that was unsuitable for human consumption.

Specifically, six boreholes drilled and equipped in Isiolo (Delbege, Waldiri, Hawaye, Qone Daaba), Turkana (Katilu), and Samburu (Lowobane) had a contract value of Sh52 million, with Ksh19.3 million already paid.

These boreholes were found to contain salty water, rendering them unfit for drinking or domestic use.

Additionally, four boreholes located in Marsabit (Soito), West Pokot (Kishaunet, Munyan Masol), and Baringo (Kapkiamo), drilled under a contract worth Sh27 million with Ksh7 million disbursed, were reported to be dry and non-productive.

Regarding the seedlings, Gathungu noted that in some counties, the seedlings were never delivered.

In other cases, there was a lack of documentation to confirm that the seedlings reached the intended recipients.

She also expressed disappointment that some seedlings dried out before reaching the beneficiaries, resulting in poor value for the funds spent.

“During the review period, Sh449,395,000 was spent on procuring tree seedlings for distribution to various counties. However, several issues of concern were identified,” the report states.

In Bungoma County, for example, the State Department for Livestock Development purchased and delivered 10,000 avocado seedlings, 2,000 mango seedlings, and 2,000 macadamia seedlings at a cost of Sh10.49 million.

However, a physical inspection conducted in September 2024 revealed multiple irregularities with the seedlings.

The report further notes that while the department claimed a total of 14,000 seedlings were delivered in May 2024, the Senator’s office indicated that 5,833 of these had not yet been distributed.

Additionally, the distribution report submitted for audit was dated September 24, 2024 nearly five months after delivery raising questions about its accuracy and reliability.

Moreover, the report highlights that the seedlings were received by the County Commissioner’s office and then handed over to the Senator’s office, instead of being distributed through the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project County office as originally planned.

Crucially, no detailed records were provided to verify the distribution of seedlings to beneficiaries.

The department was also criticized for failing to conduct proper assessments and feasibility studies, as many of the grafted seedlings either dried out or were damaged during delivery, suggesting the seedlings did not meet quality standards.

This was particularly evident with macadamia seedlings, where the department neglected to perform needs assessments or feasibility studies to determine whether the seedlings could thrive in the area.

"As a result, the regularity and value for money of the Sh10,490,000 spent on purchasing seedlings remains unverified," the report concludes