Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-18 17:58:53
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu stands to gain expanded powers if the Public Audit (Amendment) Bill 2024 is successfully passed. The Bill, which has been proposed by Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, aims to empower the Auditor General to implement changes within the organizational structure of their office and make adjustments to staff in order to enhance their ability to fulfill their mandate more effectively.
Ichung’wah’s bill also seeks to grant the Auditor General the authority to create and eliminate new positions within the constitutional office, including appointing individuals to substantive roles or assigning them to different capacities. According to Ichung’wah, the bill is essential for improving the efficiency of the Auditor General in carrying out their responsibilities.
Additionally, the bill aims to provide the Auditor General with other key powers, such as overseeing disciplinary control over staff, developing the human resources of the office, and, in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), determining the salary and benefits of each employee. The bill also outlines the Auditor General’s responsibilities in developing and maintaining a code of ethics based on international standards and in accordance with the Code of Conduct stipulated in the Public Officer Ethics Act 2003.
Furthermore, the bill specifies that the Auditor General may recruit the necessary staff for the proper fulfillment of their functions under the Constitution, this Act, or any other written law. If the bill is enacted, the Auditor General will also serve as the Chairperson of the Audit Advisory Board and have the authority to appoint additional members to the board as needed.
In addition to delineating the new powers and roles of the Auditor General, the Bill also provides conditions under which the position may fall vacant and the process for filling the vacancy. For instance, the position may be declared vacant if the term of its holder expires, if the Auditor General passes away, if the occupant resigns by writing to the President, or if the AG is removed from office under circumstances outlined in Article 251 of the Constitution.
Under the proposed bill, the Auditor General is required to notify the appointing authority in writing of the impending vacancy three months prior to the expiration of their term. The bill also provides for the process of filling the vacant position, offering clarity on the procedures to be followed.
Overall, the Public Audit (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to equip the Auditor General with additional powers and responsibilities while also establishing clear guidelines for the position’s succession process. If the bill is successfully passed, it could significantly impact the operations and effectiveness of the Auditor General’s office, ultimately contributing to improved public accountability and efficient use of public resources.
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