Kenya’s new Auditor General Gathungu outlines plans ahead

Kenya's new Auditor General, Nancy Gathungu, has stepped into the position at a challenging time, as she inherits a significant backlog of audits and queries. With her extensive experience in various auditing roles, Gathungu is determined to tackle the issues head-on and make a positive impact during her tenure. One of the key challenges facing her office is the backlog of audits from the 2018-2019 financial year, which she has prioritized addressing since taking office. Gathungu has made significant progress in clearing the backlog, particularly focusing on audits of listed companies and development projects. She has also started planning for the 2019-2020 audits to prevent further delays. Despite resource constraints, Gathungu is working tirelessly with her team to ensure efficiency and accountability in the audit process. Furthermore, Gathungu recognizes the importance of building trust between the Office of the Auditor General and the Kenyan public. She has initiated stakeholder engagement programs and established a citizen accountability audit unit to gather information and feedback from citizens. By actively involving the public in the auditing process and demonstrating accountability, Gathungu aims to boost confidence in the office and its work. She believes that transparency and responsiveness to citizens' needs are crucial in earning their trust. Moreover, Gathungu acknowledges the shifting focus towards performance audits in addition to financial audits. In line with global trends, she emphasizes the importance of evaluating the impact of public spending on the lives of citizens. Performance audits assess the effectiveness and efficiency of government programs and services, providing a more holistic view of governance. Gathungu plans to increase the frequency of performance audits and collaborate with the media and parliament to raise awareness about their findings. Overall, Nancy Gathungu's vision for her term as Auditor General of Kenya is centered on efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. By addressing the backlog, building trust with the public, and enhancing the focus on performance audits, she aims to elevate the role of the Auditor General's office and promote good governance in the country.