Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has exposed a shocking case of grossly inflated procurement by the State Department of Higher Education, revealing that MacBooks and iPads were purchased at more than double their actual market price, leading to a potential loss of over Ksh2.1 million in taxpayers’ money.
In her latest audit report, Gathungu disclosed that the department acquired:
- 6 MacBook laptops at Ksh2,995,920, translating to Ksh499,320 per unit (market price: ~Ksh180,000),
- 2 iPads at Ksh920,000, or Ksh460,000 per unit (quoted price: ~Ksh360,000).
This 200% markup was not supported by any approved or updated procurement plan, violating Regulation 51(2) of the Public Finance Management (National Government) Regulations, 2015. This law mandates that all public expenditures be tied to approved procurement and spending plans.
“Value for money on the procurements amounting to Ksh2,995,920 and Ksh920,000… could not be confirmed,” the report stated.
Additionally, the Auditor General flagged non-compliance in another Ksh4.7 million procurement, including:
- Ksh2.46 million for air ticket purchases without documentation,
- Missing request for quotation register, tender opening minutes, and evaluation minutes, breaching standard public procurement procedures.
The total irregularity in the acquisition of non-financial assets reached Ksh4,014,220, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in the State Department’s financial conduct.
The findings add to growing calls for reforms in public procurement to curb wastage, corruption, and abuse of office.
