Turkana: The Turkana County Department of Finance and Economic Planning has successfully concluded a three-day capacity-building training for accountants. This initiative is aimed at enhancing financial reporting, strengthening accounting processes, and improving public financial management within the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training was supported by the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP II) and focused on key technical areas such as accounting processes, financial reporting frameworks, double-entry bookkeeping, and reconciliation practices. These areas are crucial for improving accuracy, consistency, and compliance across county departments.
The training was inaugurated by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning, Roseline Aite. She emphasized the significance of continuous professional development in strengthening financial management systems and enhancing service delivery. Aite highlighted the essential role accountants play in ensuring prudent management of public resources and urged participants to maintain professionalism, integrity, and accountability in their roles.
Roseline Aite stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for finance officers to improve efficiency and support the ongoing transition to accrual-based accounting in the public sector. She also encouraged finance officers to actively engage in internal audit processes to bolster financial controls and ensure smoother external audit reviews.
Director of Accounting Services, Benson Ewoton, stated that the training would help harmonize accounting practices across various departments while enhancing compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards. He urged participants to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired to improve the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting within their departments.
County KDSP Coordinator, Gabriel Lodoso, reiterated the programme’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and improving governance systems through targeted technical assistance and training initiatives. Amos Kibet, Assistant Director for Financial Reporting, emphasized the importance of accurate financial reporting in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making across county operations.
The county is in the second year of transitioning to a full accrual-based accounting system, set to enter its third and final phase in the 2026/2027 financial year. This reform aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and the accuracy of financial reporting through the adoption of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards framework.
The training brought together accountants from various county departments, reinforcing Turkana County’s commitment to strengthening financial governance, accountability, and the prudent management of public resources.
