Kitale: The Auditor General has commended the Trans Nzoia County Assembly for maintaining clean audit reports, saying the achievement demonstrates its commitment to prudent management of public resources.
According to Kenya News Agency, Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, during a courtesy call to the Trans Nzoia County Assembly in Kitale, praised the Assembly for consistently receiving clean audit opinions. She described this trend as encouraging, especially as the county government transitions from cash-based to accrual accounting.
Gathungu highlighted that this achievement should serve as an inspiration to other county assemblies, particularly those with oversight responsibilities, to ensure their financial statements and operations comply with legal requirements. She noted that about nine county assemblies had so far received favorable audit reports, emphasizing that the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is keen on strengthening collaboration with county assemblies to enhance oversight and accountability.
The Auditor General’s visit also aimed to gather feedback from the Assembly on the quality and timeliness of audit reports and to identify areas where the OAG could improve its services. ‘I am here on a courtesy call to get feedback on the kind of audit services and the reports we are issuing to this County Assembly for consideration so that they are able to carry out their oversight mandate as effectively and efficiently as they can,’ she said.
Gathungu stressed that stronger collaboration between the OAG and county assemblies is crucial for strengthening accountability in the management of public resources ahead of the 2027 General Elections. She expressed concern over arrears during the electioneering period, emphasizing the need for timely accountability in the use and management of public resources.
To support these efforts, the OAG has established 16 regional offices across the country, aiming to decentralize audit services and bring them closer to the people. The Kitale Regional Office serves Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, and Turkana counties. Gathungu emphasized the importance of devolving and decentralizing services to enhance access to timely and quality audit services at the county level.
The Auditor General also noted that the Constitution mandates her office to report to Parliament and county assemblies on oversight matters, making engagement with these assemblies crucial for improving the effectiveness of audit services. ‘We have received good feedback on how we can ensure that our services are timely. We also need to ensure there is capacity building at the county level and work together, especially during this transition period, so that people are brought to account,’ she said.
In response, Trans Nzoia County Assembly Speaker Andrew Wanyonyi highlighted the Assembly’s good record in financial management, having received clean audit reports for successive financial years. Wanyonyi stated that the positive audit reports demonstrate the Assembly’s commitment to the proper utilization of public funds and strengthening accountability.
The continued engagement between the County Assembly and the OAG is expected to bolster accountability and promote effective management of public resources in the county.
