This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
New Auditor General Nancy Gathungu has been sworn in, ending a year-long wait for Edward Ouko's replacement. The ceremony took place at the Supreme Court on Friday, presided over by Chief Justice David Maraga.
Speaking during the ceremony, Gathungu said she was honored to take the oath of office as the new Auditor General of the Republic of Kenya. She promised to work in consultation with other arms of government to guarantee Kenyans accountability and safeguard the independence of her office.
"We will look up to the Judiciary, Parliament and the Executive to safeguard the independence of the office," said Gathungu.
She hailed Ouko for doing a good job as Auditor General and promised to ensure his legacy is built and improve on four pillars: independence, credibility, relevance and accountability.
MPs led by Public Accounts Committee chairman Opiyo Wandayi welcomed Gathungu's appointment, saying it was long overdue. They urged her to immediately sign off and release the 2018/19 audit reports to enable Parliament and the county assemblies to play their oversight roles in public funds expenditure.
She was approved by the National Assembly after two days of interviews, despite being among the 17 nominees that Sammy Onyango-led selection panel declared not qualified for the job. Gathungu is currently the Director of Audit at the Auditor-General's office, a position she has held since February 2014.
