Members of Parliament sitting in the Public Accounts Committee have turned their attention to a new concern involving the management of funds in foreign embassies.
A recent audit revealed that Ksh1.8 billion was reported as idle money in Kenyan missions abroad, raising questions about accountability and the government’s handling of public finances.
The issue has become a matter of debate as the country continues to struggle with financial difficulties that have affected development projects and delayed payments for essential services.
The Auditor General’s report on the State Department for Foreign Affairs for the year ending June 2023 highlighted the matter, noting that the funds were left unutilized in embassies located in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ethiopia. This discovery has caused unease among lawmakers who questioned why such a large amount was lying unused in foreign accounts while Kenya faces a cash crunch.
The MPs stressed that these funds represent taxpayer contributions and should be put to work for the benefit of the country rather than left idle with no clear explanation.
The committee summoned the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, to respond to the findings and provide clarity on the issue.
During the session held on September 12, MPs demanded to know whether the money had been properly accounted for and why it was not redirected to urgent national needs.
They raised concerns that financial indiscipline within embassies could damage the credibility of the State Department and also reflect poorly on Kenya’s image abroad.
One lawmaker made it clear that leaving such an amount unused is unacceptable, stressing that every shilling matters at a time when ordinary citizens are struggling with the high cost of living and delayed government services.
The committee also linked the matter to broader questions about how diplomatic projects are managed.
MPs warned that poor financial oversight could lead to delays in critical initiatives, including construction or maintenance of embassy facilities, which might undermine Kenya’s reputation in the international space.
They insisted that embassies should uphold the highest standards of transparency and ensure every resource allocated to them is spent wisely.
In his defense, PS Sing’oei pledged to provide a full breakdown of the funds and assured the committee that the ministry is committed to accountability. He acknowledged the concerns raised and promised that a detailed explanation would be submitted to the committee to show how the money has been handled.
His assurance, however, did not completely settle the MPs, who said that the matter would not end until proper documentation is provided and responsibility is established.
The Public Accounts Committee is expected to review the ministry’s submission before making further directions.
For now, the Ksh1.8 billion reported as idle remains under scrutiny, with MPs keen to ensure that no public funds go to waste at a time when the country faces serious financial pressures.
The outcome of this investigation will determine whether the embassies were simply negligent or if deeper issues of mismanagement need to be addressed.
