Universities and colleges have been put on notice after Members of Parliament directed them to provide comprehensive explanations on the use of public funds.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The warning was issued as the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education (PIC-G&E) began reviewing Auditor-General’s reports covering the 2018/19 to 2024/25 financial years for several education sector institutions.

During a meeting on July 14, the committee said it expects full cooperation from all accounting officers appearing before it as the audit review process continues.

“The committee expects full cooperation from all accounting officers. Audit queries should be addressed comprehensively because accountability is at the heart of good governance,” Kasipul MP Boyd Were said.

📌 What You Need to Know

Additionally, heads of institutions were urged to respond fully to audit queries and ensure public resources are managed in line with the law.

Institutions appearing before the committee included Multimedia University, the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, Naivasha Technical and Vocational College, Gilgil Technical and Vocational College, Sot Technical Training Institute and Gitwebe Technical Training Institute.

Committee chairperson and Luanda MP Dick Maungu emphasised that reports by the Auditor-General are meant to establish whether public funds have been used for their intended purposes and identify areas requiring corrective action.

“The Auditor-General’s reports are not prepared in vain. They are meant to demonstrate whether public funds have been properly utilised. Where there are gaps, they must be explained and corrective measures taken,” he stated.

Maungu warned accounting officers against treating audit queries as a routine exercise, stressing that they are a key accountability tool for public institutions.

The committee said institutions must uphold transparency and accountability as they are entrusted with taxpayers’ money.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke