Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Saturday refuted allegations by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba that Ksh 1.5 billion allocated for coffee farmers had been misused.
In a statement, Mbadi described Wamuchomba’s claims as misleading and emphasized that no funds were misappropriated during his tenure. He clarified that the Treasury had denied a request from the Ministry of Cooperatives to transfer the funds to one of its departments.
Mbadi explained that the transfer of the Coffee Cherry Advancing Funds was rejected because it did not meet the necessary conditions for approval.
“The Treasury received a request from the State Department for Cooperatives, advising that the Ksh 1.5 billion should remain allocated to the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund as originally intended,” Mbadi stated.
“After a thorough review, and in strict compliance with the PFM Act and the National Treasury’s Circular No. 10/2024 on Budget Implementation Guidelines, the Treasury declined the proposed reallocation,” he continued.
Mbadi also revealed that following the rejection of the reallocation, he advised the Ministry of Cooperatives that the funds would only be disbursed to support coffee farmers.
In closing, CS Mbadi urged Kenyans and the media to report accurately and responsibly on matters involving public funds.
The CS emphasized that spreading false information undermines the integrity of the country’s financial systems and can cause undue public concern.
“The National Treasury is always available to clarify any questions or provide additional details to ensure the public is informed with accurate information,” the CS stated. “The National Treasury remains committed to transparency and accountability in managing public finances.”
