Gov't orders action against public officers linked to misuse of public funds

The government has directed the immediate and continuous implementation of surcharges against public officials whose actions or omissions result in the loss of public resources.

The directive, issued by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, was communicated to all Principal Secretaries in a circular dated February 11, 2025, mandating strict adherence to financial accountability measures.

Following a Cabinet meeting held on September 17, 2024, several policy measures were approved to strengthen financial discipline within public service institutions. These include immediate surcharge of public officials whose actions or inactions lead to financial loss.

The enforcement of disciplinary measures against officers implicated in internal and external audit reports was also approved. Additionally, corruption cases will be referred to statutory bodies mandated to investigate and take further action.

In the circular, Koskei has instructed all accounting officers to submit a detailed report outlining actions taken in response to the directive by April 14, 2025. Additionally, any implicated official will be subjected to due process and fair administrative action before surcharges are effected.

“Before any surcharges are effected, the concerned officers must be subjected to due process and fair administrative action procedures in accordance with the law. All Accounting Officers are required to provide a report outlining the action(s) taken pursuant to this directive by Monday, 14 April 2025,” reads the circular in part.

According to Koskei, this latest move aligns with the government’s Public Service Zero Fault Audit Status Campaign, which aims to establish a culture of accountability and financial integrity within public service institutions.