Koskei urges risk-based audits to curb misuse of public funds

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has underscored the need for public institutions to adopt risk-based audits and structured enterprise risk management as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability in government.

He called on internal auditors of public entities to end the misuse of imprests and the circumvention of procurement procedures.

Koskei spoke during a virtual consultative meeting with Principal Secretaries and key actors in the internal audit function across public entities, convened to review progress under the Zero Fault Audit Campaign.

“The conversation focused on strengthening accountability systems, building a culture of compliance, and ensuring that internal audit takes its rightful place at the centre of public financial management,” Koskei said.

Koskei noted that the campaign is already yielding results, with a noticeable reduction in adverse audit outcomes and an increase in responsible stewardship of public resources.

“We are beginning to see the impact with fewer adverse audit outcomes, greater institutional responsiveness, and a growing commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources,” he stated.

He said internal auditors must be empowered to operate independently and speak with professional courage, describing them as the first line of defence in protecting the public resources.

“The reform journey continues with clarity and determination. Every shilling must be accounted for and every officer must uphold the public trust,” he noted.