Auditor General on the spot as MPs demand full disclosure of Kenya’s public debt

Members of Parliament are now demanding the full disclosure of Kenya’s public debt, comprehensive audit reports, and internal measures to curb corruption within the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), as concerns mount over persistent audit backlogs and the country’s growing debt burden.

The Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) summoned Deputy Auditor General (DAG) Isaac Kamau on Thursday, pressing him on the OAG’s delayed audit reports—especially those affecting county revenue allocation under Article 229(8) of the Constitution.

“We are lagging behind by two years. Without up-to-date audited reports, counties are denied timely support,” said Caroli Omondi, who urged the OAG to conduct a comprehensive audit of the country’s public debt and tax waivers issued by government entities. “We need to see a full list of what we owe as a country,” he added.

Omondi also called on the OAG to submit legislative proposals that would enhance fiscal discipline and promote compliance, particularly in monitoring digital platforms such as eCitizen.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairperson William Kamket raised concerns over allegations that some institutions allocate budgets for bribes to auditors. “That’s disturbing. To what extent does corruption among your staff affect your credibility?” he asked.

MP Geoffrey Mulanya echoed the concerns, questioning the lack of coordination with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). “If accounting officers are budgeting for auditors without engaging the EACC, something is wrong. Where is the accountability?” he posed.

In response, Mr. Kamau defended the integrity of the office, highlighting measures including staff rotations every three years, mandatory signing of a code of ethics, and post-assignment reviews. He also noted active collaboration with the EACC and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

He assured the committee that the long-awaited Public Debt Report will be tabled in the first quarter of the next financial year.

Addressing criticisms over media coverage, Mr. Kamau noted improvements in public communication.

“We now have 92% accuracy in mainstream media reporting. Alarmist reporting has significantly declined due to our regular engagements with journalists,” he said.

However, Gitonga pressed further on the OAG’s own accountability, asking, “How do you measure your performance? Public trust hinges on the transparency and credibility of your audits.”

Mr. Kamau acknowledged that turnaround time for audits remains a challenge but pledged continued improvements to enhance relevance and timeliness.

As Kenya navigates increasing fiscal pressures and public scrutiny, the CIOC emphasized that timely, transparent, and corruption-free audits are not only a constitutional mandate but essential to sustaining public trust in governance.