This archive report was first published on 29 July 2019.
On July 29, 2019, the National Assembly finally found a firm to audit the Auditor-General's books, ending a four-year wait. PKF Kenya has been appointed to scrutinize the unaudited books of Auditor-General Edward Ouko, whose eight-year non-renewable term ends on August 27.
According to Article 226(4) of the Constitution, the Office of Auditor-General's accounts must be audited by a professionally qualified accountant appointed by the National Assembly. The tender for the provision of external audit services for the Office of Auditor-General had failed on three previous occasions due to a lack of bids.
After three failed attempts, the National Assembly Clerk, Michael Sialai, and Auditor-General Ouko sought the help of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which resolved to advertise the tender again. Seven firms bid, with two making it to the last stage of technical and financial evaluation.
PKF Kenya led the bidding process with a score of 87.36. If approved by MPs, the firm will have a year to complete the assignment. The Auditor-General's books of accounts have not been audited for the financial years 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18.
PKF Kenya's appointment comes after Parliament rejected the appointment of Baker Tilly Meralli's, citing conflict of interest. Auditor-General Ouko had told the PAC that he did not object to Parliament hiring an international firm to do the job.
Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, who chairs the PAC, recommended the appointment of PKF Kenya in a report to the House, stating, 'The committee recommends to the National Assembly to approve the award of External Audit Services for the Office of the Auditor-General for financial years 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18 to M/s PKF Kenya pursuant to provisions of Article 226(4) of the Constitution.'
