Kenyan public fund management oversight

Kenyan oversight bodies have issued warnings regarding the management and misuse of public funds at both the county and national levels.

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o cautioned county governments against rushing spending or accumulating unpaid bills as devolved government terms conclude. To address the diversion of funds and delayed payments to suppliers, Nyakang’o announced plans for a joint electronic payment system with the Central Bank of Kenya and the National Treasury. Additionally, the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution directed Murang’a County to align its municipal revenue framework with existing legal acts to prevent excessive executive control.

At the national level, parliamentary committees have intensified scrutiny of government officials. The Public Accounts Committee warned Principal Secretaries that they must take personal responsibility for departmental resources, noting that accounting officers could be held liable for losses caused by negligence. Meanwhile, the National Assembly Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education cautioned that officials at Technical and Vocational Colleges could face liability for spending without approved budgets or failing to publish procurement contracts.