Agriculture Ministry launches Audit Committee to bolster transparency

The event was presided over by CS Mutahi Kagwe, his PS Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh and Agriculture Secretary Harun Khator. [ Kagwe, X]

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has officially inaugurated its new Ministerial Audit Committee in a ceremony held at the Kilimo House boardroom. 

Speaking during the launch, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to openness in line with public expectations and legal frameworks.

“We are running an open shop with utmost transparency. For auditors, we have no issue with any exposure, as long as it is genuine and rooted in evidence,” said Kagwe.

He urged the committee to be proactive rather than reactive in addressing issues.

“We urge this committee not only to uncover problems but to help resolve them. Where you can foresee risks, point them out early so they can be addressed. Don’t take on the role of a mortician, come in as a problem solver.”

The Ministerial Audit Committee was appointed on November 13, 2024, in accordance with Section 73(5) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and formally gazetted under Notice No. 2691 Vol. CXVIII No. 40 of April 15, 2016.

The committee members are: William Okari Masita as the Chairperson, Kasembeli Wafula Nasiuma, Douglas Owiti Nyangidi, Ann Wangechi Mwathi appointed members, and John Kariuki as a representative of the National Treasury.

The committee is mandated to support the Ministry’s Accounting Officers in overseeing risk management, internal controls, governance, and assurance processes. 

It will also monitor the implementation of audit recommendations from both internal and external reviews.