Auditor General puts Counties on notice

The Auditor’s General office will fast track its oversight of projects and programmes in counties to ensure prudent use of resources allocated to them.

Speaking in Garissa when he officially opened the regional hub office, Auditor General Edward Ouko said that with more resources being allocated to the counties, governors should work towards ensuring that Kenyans get value for their money.

“It is not only about auditing and coming up with reports, but ensuring that resources go into programmes and projects which impact positively on the common mwananchi,” Ouko said.

Counties have in the past been on the spot for misappropriation of public funds and inflating the cost of projects leading to massive wastage.

“To ensure this does not happen, we are spreading our wings to each and every county by building more offices and posting enough staff. This is one way of ensuring that projects are delivered on time and resources better utilized,” said the Auditor General.

The Auditor General hailed the opening of the regional hub office saying it will go a long way in ensuring that governors deliver on their mandate.

“We built this office in a record 18 months at a cost Ksh.160 million. We have demonstrated through this project that public money can be prudently utilized and delivered on time,” said Mr. Ouko

He said, “Plans are underway to build regional hub offices in Kakamega and Eldoret in the next few years. Land for the projects have already been acquired,

Mr. Ouko lamented that all audit offices in the country are rented including the headquarters.

“It is unfortunate that countries like Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan who look upon Kenya as an economic power house in the region have built offices for public auditors while Kenya has lagged behind,” said Mr.Ouko.