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Sh20m gate was a typing error – Nyeri governor


The proposal to spend Sh20m to build a gate for the governor’s office was a typing error, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has explained.

He however defended plans to spend Sh200 million on the governor’s mansion, saying the money will include building the official residence of the deputy governor.

Mr Kahiga told journalists on Wednesday that his office already has a gate and the Sh20 million entry in this year’s Annual Development Plan was a mistake.

“The gate is already complete we are not going to work on it. What was in the ADP was a typing error,” he said.

The last administration led by the late Governor Nderitu Gachagua built the gate.

SRC DIRECTIVE

The county boss, clearly angered by criticism on the proposed expenditures, said his administration is only complying with a directive by the  Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to build houses for county top officials.

“The governor should not be attacked for complying with the directive. We are not putting a house for me because I already have a home, but we are building the governor’s official residence,” he said.

In a circular dated August 25 addressed to county secretaries, SRC had asked counties to prioritise the construction of official residences for governors, their deputies and county speakers.

Mr Kahiga insisted that all 47 devolved units will build the governor and deputy governor’s residences paid for by taxpayers.

HOUSE ALLOWANCES

Counties have until July next year to build the houses when the county bosses and their deputies will cease to receive house allowances.

He said that the county will spend an additional Sh220 million to construct a new office block to accommodate his 10 county executives.

“Our offices are scattered all over the town but with a new office block we will have the executives working under one roof. This will give the residents easy access to all offices and improve service delivery,” he said.