The National Treasury has been directed to submit monthly Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) reports for each county to senators. This initiative aims to improve transparency and accountability in county financial management.
During a recent Senate session, legislators approved a motion requiring Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to send monthly IFMIS reports to the Clerk of the Senate, who will then distribute them to individual senators. This will enable senators to monitor county revenue—both nationally allocated and locally generated—in real time.
Enhancing Oversight and Governance
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi emphasized that access to timely financial data is critical for senators to fulfill their constitutional role under Article 96, which mandates oversight of county finances and protection of county interests.
"Senators have faced challenges accessing IFMIS data, hindering effective supervision of county expenditures," Kingi stated. The new reporting framework is expected to address these gaps and promote good governance in public resource management.
Addressing Challenges in County Financial Management
The Senate noted that delayed access to financial information has contributed to the accumulation of pending bills in counties, often due to unplanned or unaccounted expenditures.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who filed the motion, highlighted the need for real-time data access, citing Articles 96 and 217 of the Constitution. He argued that oversight must be proactive rather than reactive, allowing senators to detect and address financial issues promptly.
"Transparency begins with timely access to information. Senators must see public expenditure as it happens to protect county resources effectively," Omtatah said.
Under the new directive, the National Treasury will provide monthly IFMIS transaction reports to the Senate Clerk, ensuring senators receive up-to-date financial details from the counties they represent.
