More than Sh3 billion collected for issuance of visas, passports, and certificates of good conduct as well as fees charged at Huduma centres cannot be accounted for.
Auditor-General Edward Ouko said he could not confirm the accuracy of Sh2.6 billion for visas and other consular fees charged by the Department of Immigration in the year to June, reflecting the poor record keeping in embassies which has paved the way for fraudulent dealings.
“Although revenue statements reflect an amount of…against visa and consular fees, it was not possible to confirm that accuracy and completeness of this amount as entry declaration forms and applications for visa forms together with the receipts could not be verified due to poor record keeping at the immigration offices at the Jomo Kenyatta and Moi International Airports,” Mr Ouko said in a report to the National Assembly.
The Interior department explained that their inability to capture the data electronically was due to lack of software that is compatible with information maintained by international airlines, Mr. Ouko said.
The department is in charge of immigration services and collects revenue from visa application and other consular services on behalf of the Treasury.
The auditor said an inspection at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Kiambu Road shows that Sh193 million in police clearance certificates (Certificate of Good Conduct) could not be established.
Mr. Ouko said 543,108 police clearance certificates were issued, raising Sh543,108,000 in application fees.
“However, the statement reflects a collection of Sh350,078,533 against the DCI resulting in a loss of Sh193,029,466 which has not been explained or reconciled,” Mr. Ouko said. On the Huduma centres, Mr. Ouko said the revenue collected on behalf of the Principal Secretary Interior has not been surrendered and transferred to the Treasury.
“Although Huduma centres have enhanced service delivery, revenue collected… has not been surrendered and transferred to the exchequer contrary to section 76(2) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2002.
Mr. Ouko also questioned the Sh77.9 million that was collected at various sub-county administration police offices for hire of police services and did not reflect in the State revenue account.
“In this regard, revenue amounting to Sh77,925,414 has not been reflected in the statement contrary to section 64(4) of the Public Financial Management System Regulations, 2015,” Mr. Ouko said in an adverse audit opinion.
Mr Ouko further questioned the non-surrender or accounting of eight receipt books issued to the District Criminal Investigation Officer, Kilifi.
“Information and records available indicate that the National Social Security Fund, Kisumu, paid a total of Sh4.4 million to sub-county administration police commander Kisumu Centre for provision of armed security services,” he said.
–
Credit: Business Daily
