The Accountant-May-June 2017

Public Policy
Auditor General
Edward Ouko
financial oversight and accountability.
The choice of discussants: ICPAK,
Senate, Office of the Auditor General
(OAG) and the County Assembly
was a clear recognition that financial
oversight and accountability is indeed a
collaborative role.
The discussions were highly
structured and specific questions were
directed to ICPAK. Before we delve
into the questions and the responses
thereof, let me start by saying that
when Kenyans voted for the new
constitution more than seven years
ago, few understood its imprint on the
governance structure of the country.
Most will agree that, among many other
provisions, the revolutionising aspect of
the Constitution has been the devolved
system of government.
In the last four years, we have
witnessed the benefits of adopting this
system of governance. These range from
improved access to basic services such as
water and health, proximity to the local
leadership and the general upgrade in
infrastructure across the country.
Equally, since Kenyans had not
internalized the implications of this
system, most of them did not know how
influential the County Assembly would
be to local development when they went
to the polls in March 2013. However,
as we prepare for this year’s General
Elections, the position of Member of
the County Assembly has attracted
many candidates; reports in the media
have quoted close to 45,000 candidates!
This could be higher than anywhere else
in Africa in terms of interest to Sub-
National level legislative positions.
Nonetheless, as contestants jostle for
these positions, there is need for a candid
discussion on the role of the County
Assemblies. The Constitution of Kenya
under Article 185 (3) provides that the
oversight authority of a county is vested
in, and exercised by its County Assembly.
In addition, the Constitution under the
same Article stipulates that the County
Assembly may exercise oversight over the
County Executive Committee and any
other executive organs. Moreover, it is a
statutory requirement of the Assembly to
receive and approve plans and policies for
the management & exploitation of the
county’s resources; and the development
and management of its infrastructure and
institutions. These functions are further
elaborated in the County Government
Act, 2012 and the Public Finance
Management Act 2012. Further, Article
229 (8) elaborates on the oversight role
by mandating the County Assemblies
to consider the report by the Auditor
General in respect of the financial affairs
of a County and oversee implementation
of audit recommendations contained
there-in.
Below is a synopsis of the discussions at
the summit:
What interventions has ICPAK
proposed to support and partner
with the watchdog committees in the
County Assemblies to enhance financial
oversight and accountability?
It is important to underscore the role
of ICPAK as laid out in the Accountants
Act Cap 531. To promote and uphold
public interest, it is our mandate to advise
the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury
on financial accountability matters.
We also strive to promote standards of
professional competence and practice
amongst our members.
The specific interventions by ICPAK to
support and partner with the watchdog
committees in the Assemblies to enhance
oversight and accountability include:
• Partnership with Public Sector
Accounting Standards Board (PSASB)
to prescribe the standards of financial
reporting. This led to adoption of IPSAS
and development of financial reporting
templates and guidelines creating
uniformity in financial reporting.
ICPAK has also seconded a staff to the
PSASB secretariat to assist with the
implementation of this agenda.
MAY - JUNE 2017 33