Nairobi: Kisumu governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has called on women in the accounting profession to be on the forefront in championing for prudent financial practices at the workplace. The governor observed that although we have many legislations providing a solid foundation for fiscal discipline, laws alone are not enough and there must be clear execution plans, a framework, and a commitment to values for the country to grow economically.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Nyong’o emphasized the importance of living by the principles of integrity and transparency in daily actions, urging accountants, auditors, and finance officers to continue being the guardians of public trust. He highlighted the pivotal role they play in turning the aspirations of laws into tangible impacts for citizens. The governor encouraged both women accountants and their male counterparts to focus on building transparent and resilient systems, making compliance a shared culture across institutions.
Prof. Nyong’o spoke during the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya’s (AWAK) 8th Public Finance Management (PFM) Conference held in Kisumu. The conference, themed ‘Delivering Impact by Fostering a Culture of PFM Compliance,’ aligns with the societal needs around public financial management. The governor noted that Section 194 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, mandates the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) to set accepted accounting standards for state organs and public entities.
He addressed the fiscal and economic pressures faced globally, with rising public debts, limited resources, and demands for quality services. Citizens are becoming more informed and demanding accountability and tangible results for public spending. Nyong’o advised accountants to confront challenges such as revenue collection, pending bills, and inefficiencies, viewing them as opportunities for innovation and reform.
Prof. Nyong’o commended the efforts of PSASB in developing templates, conducting workshops, and partnering with institutions for compliance monitoring. He also praised recent amendments to the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, which required implementing accrual accounting and developing a risk management framework. He highlighted the ‘Zero Fault Audit’ initiative launched in 2023 aimed at promoting governance and accountability.
Nyong’o reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reforms promoting openness, digitization, and results-based budgeting. He emphasized collaboration with stakeholders like AWAK, especially in uplifting local women from less privileged backgrounds through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The Association of Women Accountants of Kenya (AWAK), registered in 1994, is a non-political, non-profit organization focusing on member empowerment and societal needs.
