This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
As we approach the end of the year, the absence of a Controller of Budget is a pressing concern. The office has been vacant for several months, and the need for a strong and independent Controller has never been more urgent.
According to the Constitution, the Controller of Budget is responsible for ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and effectively. However, the current office has been criticized for its lack of independence and its failure to prevent financial mismanagement.
One of the key challenges facing the Controller of Budget is the National Treasury's excessive powers. The Treasury has the authority to make its own budget, allocate funds to itself, and monitor expenditure. This concentration of power can lead to abuse and mismanagement of public funds.
As Okiya Omtata has demonstrated in his recent court victories, the appointment of public officials must be transparent and accountable. The selection panels for the Controller of Budget and the Auditor-General have been shrouded in controversy, with rumors of opaque recruitment processes.
The Controller of Budget must be a gatekeeper of public funds, preventing waste and misuse. In the case of the Arror and Kimwarer dam scams, the Controller of Budget should have demanded to see agreements with the contractor and insisted on being shown payment schedules and project milestones.
As we move forward, it is essential that we appoint a new Controller of Budget who is independent, knowledgeable, and respected. The holder of this office must have the stature and profile to stand up to the National Treasury and ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of all Kenyans.
