The County Government of Siaya has come under the national spotlight after a high-powered team from the Office of the Controller of Budget (CoB) arrived for a detailed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) audit of flagship projects — including health upgrades, water systems, roads, and major infrastructure.
The delegation, led by M&E Team Leader Mr. Newton Kilinga, is assessing how Siaya is spending key public funds, among them the Facility Improvement Fund (FIF), the County Revenue Fund (CRF), and the Equalisation Fund.
County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, who hosted the team, said the inspection is crucial in ensuring that Siaya’s investments are not only transparent but delivering real impact to residents.
The FIF is central to improving health services across Siaya by financing upgrades in local facilities. The ongoing M&E exercise seeks to verify whether the funds are being used transparently, efficiently, and effectively — and whether communities are getting value for money.
Beyond FIF, the CoB team is also examining:
The number and functionality of all public funds established by the county
Banking arrangements for county coffers
Utilization of the national Equalisation Fund, meant to reduce marginalisation
Operations of the Siaya Municipal Board
This oversight ensures that county governments remain accountable to the National Treasury and operate within legal and financial frameworks.
The officers sampled several big-ticket projects under the County Revenue Fund, including:
Installation of a tartan track at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium
Refrigeration systems at the Bondo Funeral Parlour
Installation of the Siriwo Rice Mill in Usonga Ward
Equipping of three surgical theatres at Siaya County Referral Hospital
Completion of Oboch Dispensary in East Asembo
Acquisition of storage tanks for Bondo Sub-County Hospital
Under the Equalisation Fund, the team inspected projects targeted at reducing marginalisation, such as:
Electricity connection to Sulwe, Gombe, Oranya Village, Ogero Market, and Unyumba
Construction and piping works for Ndeda Water Supply
Water systems at Nguge Polytechnic, Kanyilaji Market, and Kanyilaji Primary School — including a fully equipped solar-powered borehole.
These projects are vital to addressing water scarcity, improving health outcomes, strengthening food security, and enhancing mobility across the county.
County Secretary Ogutu, accompanied by CECM for Governance and Administration Agunda Ochanda and Chief Officer for Health Dr. Omondi Owino, emphasized that the audit reinforces cooperation between the National and County Governments.
“This exercise builds accountability and ensures the investments we make truly transform lives,” Mr. Ogutu noted during the briefing.
The CoB officials — Ms. Phenny Wamboka, Ms. Irene Makokha, Ms. Pamela Okach, Mr. Peter Mulamba, and Mr. Elton Khaemba — will compile a comprehensive report that will shape future funding, compliance levels, and potential improvements.
As scrutiny intensifies across counties, the Siaya audit signals a renewed push by the Controller of Budget to ensure zero wastage, improved transparency, and measurable results from public spending.
For Siaya residents, the findings could determine which stalled, ongoing, or future projects receive priority — and whether the county is truly delivering on its service delivery promises.
