ICPAK backS move to hire county auditors

Accountants have backed the call by Auditor-General Edward Ouko to hire county auditors, stating that mismanagement of funds has hit its peak with the coming of devolution.

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) said in a statement that the A-G’s call is within the law, coming immediately after enactment of the Public Audit Act.

Mr Ouko on Tuesday called on counties to hire internal auditors, even as cases of misuse of taxpayers’ money becomes become rampant.

“The Public Audit Act empowers the A-G on his mandate to audit and report on the accounts of any entity that is funded from public funds both at the national and county levels as enshrined in Article 229 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” said ICPAK CEO Patrick Ngumi on Wednesday.

It follows that all 47 county governments should ensure that they have functioning internal audit departments in compliance with the Constitution, Public Audit Act and the Public Finance Management Act.

Massive irregularities

The A-G has in the recent past pointed out massive irregularities in the management of county funds and contradictory data in actual expenses compared to documentation.

A study by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) also points at the lack of transparency in county budget plans, often resulting in ineffective planning for devolved funds.

“The lack of resources and staff is delaying the speedy delivery of the audit documents at the county level, hence the need to institute internal audits,” said Mr Ouko.

Counties have to work closely with the Auditor General as dictated by Section 33 of Public Audit Act. This section states that the final report by an internal auditor, adopted by an audit committee of a state organ or public entity may be copied to the A-G.

ICPAK also said that going forward, there is need to enhance funding of the Office of the Auditor General in the interest of better governance of public affairs.