This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
On July 17, 2020, Nancy Gathungu was sworn in as the new Auditor General, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Chief Justice David Maraga presided over the swearing-in ceremony, during which he emphasized the importance of the Auditor General's role in preventing theft of public resources.
Maraga cautioned Gathungu that she would face challenges in her new position, stating, "Very often it is the case in leadership positions in this country that you will counter challenges. As it were, you will step on toes, some of them very thick, including even if it is that of the Chief Justice, but you are required to discharge your duty without fear or favour."
He assured her that the Supreme Court of Kenya would provide her with the necessary support to carry out her duties effectively.
Gathungu, in her response, promised to clear the audit backlog left behind by her predecessor, Edward Ouko, who had served for 8 years before his term expired in August 2019.
She acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, "It is also important to note that the country and the world at large is under the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic which has been affecting our livelihood and disrupting normal operations. I shall, therefore, ensure that we continue to observe the health protocols even as we work round the clock to clear the audit backlog that is of concern."
She also emphasized the importance of audit services and reports in monitoring and evaluating the management and use of public resources.
Before her appointment as Auditor General, Gathungu worked as the Director of Audit in the Office of the Auditor-General.
