NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has begun a nationwide audit of all State-owned buildings in a move aimed at reducing expenditure on leased office space, improving utilisation of public assets and guiding future investment in government accommodation.
Principal Secretary for Public Investments and Assets Management Cyrell Wagunda said the exercise follows a Cabinet decision to suspend the leasing of additional office space pending a comprehensive assessment of government-owned buildings across the country.
Speaking during a meeting with National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete, Wagunda said the audit will establish the condition, location and utilisation of government properties to support more efficient management of public assets.
He noted that while expenditure on privately leased offices continues to rise, many government buildings remain underutilised or require rehabilitation.
“The objective is to ensure that existing Government space is used first, buildings are properly maintained and future leasing, rehabilitation, construction and relocation decisions are based on verified information,” Wagunda said.
The Principal Secretary said the audit presents an opportunity to establish a reliable government-wide inventory of public office accommodation and improve decision-making on the allocation and management of office space.
He added that government offices should provide safe, functional and productive working environments while delivering value for taxpayers’ money.
The nationwide exercise will be coordinated by an Inter-Agency Taskforce working alongside the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management through the Department of National Assets and Liabilities Management (NALM).
Regional Commissioners, County Commissioners, ministry secretaries and directors of administration from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been tasked with coordinating data collection, verification and implementation across the country.
Wagunda said the State Department for Public Investments and Assets Management, the State Department for Public Works and the National Treasury will jointly oversee the exercise by combining expertise in asset registration, building condition assessments, space utilisation, rehabilitation planning and policy development.
He urged National Government Administrative Officers to support the taskforce to ensure the audit is carried out efficiently and comprehensively.
Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha, who also attended the meeting, expressed confidence in the NGAOs’ ability to deliver the assignment, citing their previous role in the successful identification and registration of farmers across the country.
The audit is expected to provide the government with a comprehensive inventory of public buildings, enabling more informed decisions on office accommodation while helping reduce avoidable rental costs and improving management of public assets.
