Transparency International Kenya together with AfriCOG hosted a public forum on accountability of public resources on 13th April 2018. This followed the judgment on the Public Audit Act 2015 on 16th February 2018.
During the forum, participants were taken through Public Audit Act 2015 petition, experiences of the Office of the Auditor General and accountability. Participants equally shared their views on the need for vigilance on accountability of public resources and the need to safeguard the Office of the Auditor General.
Gladwell Otieno, the Executive Director AfriCOG, who moderated the sessions, pointed out the need for Kenyans to understand the functions of the Office of the Auditor General. She challenged citizens to be actively involved in holding leaders to account.
While discussing the implications of the ruling on the Public Audit Act 2015 petition, TI-Kenya Executive Director Samuel Kimeu called on citizens to vigilant and ensure that the reports by the Office of the Auditor General are followed up. “We must enhance advocacy to ensure Audit reports are respected and recommendations followed.” noted Kimeu.
The Deputy Auditor General Mr. David Gichana shared the experiences of the Office of the Auditor General noting that the reports are timely produced and urged for more partnerships with CSOs and citizens. He urged public entities to adopt standard accounting frameworks to enhance accountability.
John Githongo led the discussion on transparency and accountability. He called for the need to change strategy on the anti-corruption debate. “We need to explore new spaces such as new media and religious space for accountability advocacy.” He said. Mr. Githongo noted that the office of the Auditor General is one of the success stories of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
