President Ruto's order effected as IG Mutyambai granted Accounting Officer powers

In his inaugural speech after being sworn in as Head of State, Ruto promised to grant financial autonomy to the National Police Service by transferring its budget from the Office of the President and designating the Inspector-General as the accounting officer.

"Financial independence to the police will give impetus to the fight against corruption, and end the political weaponization of the criminal justice system; an undertaking I made to the people of Kenya," Ruto said in his address at Kasarani stadium on September 13.

In a letter dated September 15 and addressed to the current Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, CS Yattani said: "In accordance with the powers conferred on the Cabinet Secretary to the National Treasury by Section 67 of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2012 you are hereby designated the Accounting Officer for Vote 1025 (National Police Service) for the financial year 2022/2023 with effect from 15th September 2022."

As the Accounting Officer of the National Police Service, the IG will be required to keep the Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary updated on all financial matters of the Ministry and provide information and reports as may be directed by the Cabinet Secretary.

"As an Accounting Officer, you must comply and familiarize yourself with the Constitution, the PFM Act 2012, the PFM Regulations (National Government) of 2015, the Public Procurement and Disposal Act of 2015 and Public Audit Act of 2015 and various other laws and regulations, directives and circulars issued by the National Treasury from time to time," CS Yattani further said in the letter.

The IG will also be required from time to be required to attend in-person meetings of Accounting Officers called by Treasury CS to deliberate on public finance management Issues. The said meetings are meant to ensure close contact and cooperation between Ministries, State Departments, Agencies and the National Treasury.

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has been away on sick leave for close to a month now. Deputy Inspector General of police Noor Gabow has been acting in his capacity.