Members of Parliament have recommended that the tender to audit the Office of the Auditor-General be opened to international firms, following a lack of interest from local audit firms.
Members of Parliament have recommended that the tender to audit the Office of the Auditor-General be done internationally to avoid potential conflicts of interest with local auditing firms.
This comes after local audit firms refused to bid for the tender, citing potential conflicts of interest.
The National Assembly Committee on Public Accounts argues that the law should be relooked at to allow the Accounting Officer of parliament to advertise the tender beyond Kenya’s boundaries. This would attract more audit firms and avoid the perception of conflict of interest.
Article 226(4) of the Constitution stipulates that the accounts of the Office of the Auditor-General shall be audited and reported on by a professionally qualified accountant appointed by the National Assembly. However, the committee’s investigation into the tender process revealed that very few firms typically bid, with only two firms submitting bids this time around.
Butere MP Tindi Mwale, who chairs the committee, explained that the apparent reason for the low number of bids is that most independent audit firms shy away from bidding due to professional distance, having been engaged by the Office of the Auditor-General in other outsourced engagements.
Mwale emphasized the need for accurate audit reports to ensure the prudent use and monitoring of taxpayers’ funds. He stated that the committee is committed to providing thorough oversight of the Office of the Auditor-General to enhance its operational efficiency.
Funyula MP Ojiambo Oundo echoed Mwale’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to explore alternative mechanisms, even if it requires extending the tendering and procurement process beyond Kenya’s borders, to ensure meaningful competition.
