BONYO'S BONE: Audit reports - Action, not charade?

The true test of prudent use of public resources lies in one word—accountability.

Across the world, money must match evidence. Every transaction and every budgetary allocation should stand the test of transparency, and Kenya is no exception.

Every year, trillions of shillings are allocated to the national government, while hundreds of billions trickle down to counties, constitutional offices, and other arms of government.

But beyond the paperwork, beyond the grand announcements—do Kenyans ever see the true value of this money?

To answer that, we turn to one critical institution—the Office of the Auditor General. Established under Article 229 of the Kenyan Constitution, this office carries the heavy burden of auditing government expenditure, assessing efficiency, detecting fraud, and ultimately ensuring accountability.

In theory, this office is the ultimate watchdog, its reports meant to guide Parliament in its oversight role.

In reality? The reports land in Parliament, make headlines for a few days, spark political drama, and then—fade into oblivion.

Over a decade, two office holders, countless reports… yet little action.

But let’s take it from the top. The budget process is, by design, a Parliamentary affair. Lawmakers have three key responsibilities: representation, oversight, and legislation.

Yet, the very institution mandated to scrutinize government spending often turns against the Auditor General’s office—using reports to settle political scores, undermine the office, or intimidate its leadership.

Instead of acting on these reports, some lawmakers have gone as far as urging Kenyans to disregard them!

Yes, reports generated by public funds for public accountability… dismissed. Appalling!

A deeper dive into these reports exposes an epidemic of greed, systemic plunder, and blatant theft within the government. Parliament has the power to act but chooses instead to bury the truth under political theatrics.

The hypocrisy doesn’t end there. While some legislators downplay national-level audit reports, they are quick to wave county reports when it suits their political agenda—using the same reports they undermine at the national level to attack governors and political rivals.

I have a message for Parliament: The Auditor General’s office is Kenyans' last line of defense against the reckless wastage of public funds. In a nation where oversight is dictated by political convenience, this institution remains one of the few standing sentinels of accountability.

It’s time our elected representatives stop the charade—stop the empty interrogations—and finally act on these reports. Accountability should not be a favor; it is a duty.