The Kenyan Senate has unanimously approved a motion directing the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary to submit monthly Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) transaction reports for all 47 counties. This move aims to provide senators with timely access to county expenditure data, strengthening their oversight role.

The motion, sponsored by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and passed on Wednesday, requires the Treasury to deliver monthly reports to the Clerk of the Senate. The Clerk will then distribute these to individual senators for scrutiny.

Enhancing transparency and accountability

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi highlighted the importance of the resolution in promoting transparency and accountability in county governments. The motion emphasizes that access to real-time financial data is essential for effective oversight of devolved funds.

Senator Omtatah noted that without such access, senators are limited in their ability to monitor county finances effectively. The motion refers to Article 96 of the Constitution, which mandates the Senate to represent counties and oversee the allocation of national revenue to them.

Background and rationale

  • The motion cites a 2022 Supreme Court ruling affirming the Senate's oversight extends to both nationally allocated and locally generated county revenue.
  • Senators expressed concern that reports from the Auditor General and Controller of Budget often arrive long after expenditures, hindering timely detection of irregularities.
  • Delays in receiving financial data have contributed to issues such as mounting pending bills, unplanned spending, inflated project costs, and weak financial accountability in some counties.

Implementation and expected impact

Under the resolution, the Treasury will submit monthly IFMIS reports covering all counties. These will be forwarded to senators to enable early identification of questionable expenditures and prompt follow-up with county executives.

Supporters argue that regular access to these reports will complement existing audit processes and empower senators to exercise more informed and proactive oversight over devolved funds.

Although not legally binding, the Senate expressed confidence that the Treasury would comply, viewing the directive as vital for improving governance and prudent management of public resources at the county level.