GOVERNOR BARASA CALLS FOR EXTENSION OF IFMIS CLOSURE

Kakamega Governor H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa has called on the National Treasury to extend the closure of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) to allow for absorption of funds by County Governments.

Speaking during the funeral service of Doctor John Henry Miima at Shirere, Lurambi Sub County, FCPA Barasa who is also the Chairperson of the Finance and Economic Affairs Committee at the Council of Governors (CoG) said the extension will allow for the funds to be utilised by the devolved units not just for recurrent expenditure but development purposes as well.

He appealed for a July 15th deadline saying funds are yet to hit the accounts in other counties yet they are expected to have used the monies in a week’s time from now.

The delay in release of funds by the Exchequer, the CoG Finance Chair regretted, has had a ripple effect on absorption of funds.

IFMIS is used to enhance accountability and transparency in both the National and County Governments.

He used the platform to criticise the third senate for what he termed as a threat to devolution, owing to the shutdown of the revenue allocation bill that proposed disbursement of Shs 407 Billion to Counties.

The Governor further reminded Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale that the shareable allocation comes from the Treasury and not Senate castigating him for taking credit on the released County funds.

The Legislator had at the same event said that Senators approved disbursement of funds to the 47 counties.

Present were MCAs’, CECMs; Ms Rachel Atamba (ICT, E-government and Communication), Mrs Peninah Mukabane (Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate change) and Chief Officers and other senior Officers.