By Faith Muteti

Blue Economy and Fisheries PS Betsy Muthoni could not account for more than Sh168 million spent on fish farmers’ training.

This came to light when she appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on March 7th 2023, led by Nominated MP John Mbadi.

Muthoni failed to provide satisfactory explanations and supporting documents on the expenditure, leaving Mbadi unsatisfied with the PS’s responses.

Speaking during the hearing, Mbadi expressed his displeasure with the PS, stating that the committee could not proceed. He acknowledged that Muthoni was given adequate time to make her submissions, wondering why the department failed to do so.

The PS was notified of the hearing since December 21, 2022.

The nominated MP asked the PS and her team to leave the meeting

Muthoni is required to appear again before the committee on March 28th to further account for the expenditure.

According to the Auditor General report, funds were paid to Bandari Maritime academy for the training of fishermen.

The department however, failed to submit the returns, accompanied by supporting documents as required by the law.

Furthermore, the PS was unable to account for more than Sh524M used for to purchase plant equipment and machinery. Also, more than Sh90M used for construction and civil works could not be properly accounted for.