NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over repeated delays by State departments in submitting critical financial documents, warning that the trend is fuelling audit queries and undermining accountability.
Speaking during a session at Bunge Towers on Wednesday, PAC Chair Tindi Mwale said the timely submission of records to the Auditor General would significantly reduce audit discrepancies and improve oversight efficiency.
“If the required documents are submitted on time, then we will avoid unnecessary audit queries. It will save time for everyone,” Mwale told the committee.
The meeting reviewed the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ending June 30, 2024, focusing on the Department of Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs. Principal Secretary Joseph Motari appeared before the committee to respond to audit concerns.
Lawmakers, including Otiende Amollo, Edwin Mugo, Yakub Adow, Marianne Kitany, and Nabii Nabwera, questioned why several audit issues stemmed from missing or unsupported documentation.
MPs emphasised that submitting financial statements and supporting records within stipulated timelines is a legal requirement under Kenya’s public finance management framework. They warned that delays risk creating misleading impressions about the handling of public funds.
The Auditor General’s report flagged Sh1.25 billion spent on domestic travel and allowances, with Sh98.628 million lacking adequate supporting documents such as attendance registers and payment schedules.
“In some cases, inconsistencies of signatures in the attendance and payment schedules were noted,” the report stated.
Further scrutiny revealed 159 cash transactions amounting to Sh41.282 million that were not backed by documentation explaining their purpose, raising additional concerns about compliance and internal controls.
In response, Motari said the department has introduced stricter measures to ensure all required documentation—including memos, attendance registers, payment schedules, work tickets, and receipts—is submitted promptly.
“The payment vouchers were since amended for review,” he said, adding that no funds were lost and all relevant documents have now been forwarded to the Auditor General.
The PAC maintained that consistent delays in documentation not only slow the audit process but also weaken Parliament’s ability to exercise effective oversight over public expenditure, calling for stricter compliance across all State departments.
