This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
Outgoing Auditor General Edward Ouko has dismissed speculation that he is in the running for the Treasury Cabinet Secretary job. Ouko, whose eight-year non-renewable term ended on Tuesday, was tight-lipped on his future, only saying he would “continue fighting corruption.”
Speaking at the University of Nairobi, where he delivered a third final public lecture as part of a public engagement drive as he exits office, Ouko stated, “I have not been approached for anything. I’m leaving office... there’s still so much to do, and I think it’s our responsibility individually whether you’re in government or not for the fight against corruption and impunity to continue.”
The Treasury docket fell vacant after erstwhile boss Henry Rotich was charged over the Sh63 billion dams scandal and consequently suspended last month. Labour CS Ukur Yattani was appointed in an acting capacity.
Ouko suggested radical proposals for his successor, including the ability to make statements before budget readings, highlighting how the previous budget was spent. He described the job as “the most fulfilling in his life.”
When Ouko took over in 2011, one of the key challenges was an unmotivated workforce due to low salaries. He said there were only 70 laptops for a staff of 1,000, while desktops were hardly being used.
However, Ouko said one of the highlights of his legacy is having laid solid systems to solve integrity issues among the staff, thus reducing chances of compromise.
