NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has officially launched a new Ministerial Audit Committee in a move aimed at tightening oversight, enhancing transparency, and strengthening accountability within its operations.
The inauguration ceremony, held at Kilimo House, was presided over by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Principal Secretary Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, and Agriculture Secretary Harun Khator.
Speaking at the event, CS Kagwe emphasised the ministry’s commitment to openness and reform.
He challenged the newly inaugurated committee to focus on problem-solving rather than fault-finding.
“We are running an open shop with utmost transparency,” Kagwe said. “For auditors, we have no problem with any exposure being made, as long as it is genuine and rooted in evidence. We urge this committee not to take on the role of a mortician—come in as a problem solver.”
The committee was constituted on November 13, 2024, under Section 73(5) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and gazetted in April 2016.
It comprises professionals with diverse backgrounds in public finance, governance, and risk management.
Key Appointments
William Okari Masita has been named the chairperson of the committee. With extensive experience in public sector auditing and financial oversight, Masita is expected to steer the committee with professionalism and integrity.
Other members include:
- Kasembeli Wafula Nasiuma, an expert in finance and corporate governance, known for his commitment to institutional reform.
- Douglas Owiti Nyangidi, a specialist in audit review and public sector performance monitoring.
- Ann Wangechi Mwathi, an experienced accountant with a strong background in public expenditure control.
- John Kariuki, representing the National Treasury, will ensure the committee’s recommendations align with national fiscal and audit frameworks.
Induction and Oversight Mandate
Kagwe directed Principal Secretaries Dr. Ronoh and Jonathan Mueke (Livestock) to organise an induction session for the committee members.
The aim is to ensure that they are fully briefed on the ministry’s structure, operations, and priority areas before commencing their oversight work.
“The audit committee is not just here to highlight what went wrong, but to help ensure that systems work better,” said Dr. Ronoh.
The ministry is banking on the committee to ensure both internal and external audit findings are thoroughly reviewed and acted upon to promote efficient use of public resources.
The launch comes at a time when public institutions are under increasing scrutiny to deliver services transparently and uphold fiscal discipline across all sectors.
