MPs call for transparency in Kenya’s public debt and audit delays

Members of Parliament (MPs) are demanding full disclosure of the country's debt as concerns over rising public liabilities and delays in audits take center stage.

During a meeting on Thursday with the Deputy Auditor General (DAG), Isaac Kamau, the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) put the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) under scrutiny.

MPs questioned the agency’s delayed audit reports and the lack of updated information, particularly regarding the revenue allocated to counties under Article 229(8) of Kenya’s Constitution.

Suba South MP, Caroli Omondi, was vocal in his call for a comprehensive audit of Kenya’s public debt and tax waivers granted by government agencies.

"We need to see a full list of what we owe as a country," he demanded, highlighting the absence of clear financial documentation.

The lack of up-to-date audits, according to Omondi, is depriving counties of timely financial support and creating confusion about the state of public finances.

Omondi further urged the OAG to consider legislative reforms that would strengthen fiscal discipline, particularly regarding digital platforms such as eCitizen.

He emphasized that these measures would help ensure greater transparency in public spending and accountability across the government.

The issue of internal corruption within the OAG also surfaced during the session.

Vice-Chairperson William Kamket (Tiaty) expressed concern over allegations that certain institutions were budgeting for bribes to auditors.

"That’s disturbing. To what extent does corruption among your staff affect your credibility?" he asked, underlining the importance of maintaining integrity in public audits.

MP Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale) echoed this concern, stressing that if accounting officers are factoring in bribes into their budgets, without collaborating with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), it calls into question the OAG's commitment to transparency.

"Where is the accountability?" Mulanya questioned.

Responding to these concerns, Deputy Auditor General Isaac Kamau defended the OAG’s anti-corruption measures, emphasizing ongoing cooperation with the EACC and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

He pointed to internal protocols, such as rotating staff every three years and requiring all officers to sign a code of ethics. These efforts are aimed at reducing the risk of familiarity and bias among auditors.

Kamau also addressed concerns about media coverage of the OAG’s work.

"We now have 92% accuracy in mainstream media reporting. Alarmist reporting has declined due to ongoing engagements with journalists," he stated.

He assured the committee that efforts to improve communication between the OAG and the media had reduced misreporting and sensationalized stories.

Despite his defense, Kamau admitted that audit delays continue to be a significant challenge.

He promised improvements in the audit process to ensure reports are delivered promptly and that they reflect the most current and relevant data.

The committee’s inquiry came at a critical time as Kenya faces mounting pressure over its public debt, which is affecting the country’s fiscal stability.

MPs emphasized that swift, transparent audits are essential not only for meeting constitutional requirements but for maintaining the public’s trust in the government’s financial management.

Accurate and timely auditing of public funds, particularly Kenya’s escalating debt, is seen as a cornerstone in safeguarding the country’s financial future.