NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Treasury has inaugurated a multi-agency task force to review Kenya’s legal and regulatory framework governing internal audit and audit committees in the public sector, in a move aimed at strengthening governance and accountability.
Speaking during the inauguration on Thursday morning, National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo said the task force was appointed on 21 November 2025 to comprehensively examine existing laws, regulations and guidelines that guide public sector internal audit functions.
Dr Kiptoo said the review will benchmark Kenya’s framework against international best practice and propose a modern, harmonised legal and regulatory architecture designed to enhance the independence, professionalism and effectiveness of internal audit units and audit committees across government.
“This is an important step in strengthening governance, accountability and integrity in the management of public resources,” he said.
Six-month timeline
The task force is chaired by the Internal Auditor-General, Sammy Kimunguyi, and brings together representatives from multiple government agencies involved in public finance management and oversight.
Dr Kiptoo said the team is expected to deliver its report and recommendations within six months, with a deadline of 30 May 2026.
Once completed, the review is expected to inform policy and legislative reforms aimed at closing gaps in oversight, improving coordination across institutions, and reinforcing safeguards against misuse of public funds.
Focus on accountability
The Treasury says the initiative reflects the government’s broader efforts to strengthen public financial management systems, enhance transparency, and restore public confidence in the stewardship of taxpayer resources.
Internal audit units and audit committees play a critical role in risk management, internal controls and compliance within public institutions, but their effectiveness has often been undermined by fragmented legal frameworks and questions around independence.
The task force’s recommendations are expected to guide future reforms to align Kenya’s public sector audit systems with global standards and best practice.
