Ministry blew $500,000 on airtime

The ministry of Media, Information and Broadcasting Services blew a whopping $500 000 on airtime expenses against set rules and guidelines Auditor General Mildred Chiri has said.

Chiri in her 2013 audit report presented an adopted by parliament in December last year, said so rampant was the abuse of the facility to the extent that not less than 90% of the ministry's staff received the allowances.

Chiri said the ministry violated treasury Circular Number 1 which sets limits for mobile phone airtime allowances and the respective grade to be allowed airtime.

The ministry failed to adhere to maximum allowances set at $200 for the highest grade as provided for in the Circular.