The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has officially inaugurated its new Ministerial Audit Committee, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and governance within the Ministry’s operations.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Kilimo House boardroom and was presided over by Cabinet Secretary Senator Mutahi Kagwe. Present at the event were Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh and Agriculture Secretary Harun Khator.
In his keynote address, CS Kagwe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to openness and integrity in its operations.
“We are running an open shop with utmost transparency. For auditors, we have no problem with any exposure being made, as long as it is genuine and rooted in evidence,” he stated.
He urged the new committee to adopt a proactive, problem-solving approach in their work.
“Don’t take on the role of a mortician, come in as a problem solver. We urge this committee not only to uncover issues but to get to the end of them. Where you can foresee risks, point them out to us in advance so we can address them before they escalate,” Kagwe added.
The five-member committee was appointed on November 13, 2024, in line with Section 73(5) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, and gazetted under Notice No. 2691 Vol. CXVIII No. 40 of April 15, 2016. The appointed members include:
Mr. William Okari Masita – Chairperson
Mr. Kasembeli Wafula Nasiuma – Member
Mr. Douglas Owiti Nyangidi – Member
Ms. Ann Wangechi Mwathi – Member
Mr. John Kariuki – Member, representing the National Treasury
The committee is tasked with advising and supporting the Ministry’s accounting officers on matters of risk management, internal controls, governance, and assurance processes. It will also monitor the implementation of audit recommendations from both internal and external reviews.
CS Kagwe directed the two Principal Secretaries, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh (Agriculture) and Jonathan Mueke (Livestock), to jointly organize an induction program for the new committee to ensure a smooth and informed start to their tenure.
The inauguration signals the Ministry’s intent to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, aligning its operations with national financial oversight standards and public expectations.