Auditor gets MP’s nod for independent cash allocation

Politics and policy

Auditor- General Edward Ouko at a past function. PHOTO | FILE 

By EDWIN MUTAI

In Summary

• Public Investments Committee (PIC) said it will make changes to the Public Audit Bill, 2014 to ensure the agency has an independent line budget.
• The Auditor- General’s office received Sh2.6 billion in the current fiscal year against a request of Sh5.4 billion.

Auditor- General Edward Ouko will soon negotiate his budgetary allocation directly with Parliament in a fresh bid to safeguard the independence of the Kenya National Audit Office and cut the Treasury’s power in setting the budget.

Public Investments Committee (PIC) said it will make changes to the Public Audit Bill, 2014 to ensure the agency has an independent line budget.

“It appears that Mr Ouko’s office is subordinate to the Treasury, contrary to the Constitution. PIC and PAC (Public Accounts Committee) should legislate to ensure that he fulfils his mandate. We must handle this matter quickly,” said Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch.

The Auditor- General’s office received Sh2.6 billion in the current fiscal year against a request of Sh5.4 billion.

Mr Ouko said the current arrangement that lumps his office with big spenders like the Office of the President and the Department of Defence threatens the push for accountability in public offices.

“Even if I argue for more funds within the sector ceiling, I can’t get resources. I have to give my estimates to Treasury which forces me to compete with big spenders within resource envelope of the sector,” Mr Ouko told PIC last week.

“I can’t have resources to respond to the constitutional requirement that I table accounts of government by December 31 every financial year.”

Mr Ouko wants the two committees to change the law urgently to enable his office bargain for additional funds to employ 500 more auditors who will audit the 47 county governments.