The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has inaugurated its new Ministerial Audit Committee to bring transparency, accountability and governance within the Ministry’s operations.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening transparency, accountability, and governance within the Ministry’s operations.
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe said the move is meant to make the ministry “an open shop” in line with public expectations and the law.
“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,” said CS Kagwe.He further added that “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. Don’t take on the role of a mortician—come in as a problem solver.”
The committee was appointed on November 13, 2024, in accordance 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 members appointed to serve in the Ministerial Audit Committee for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development include:
1.Mr. William Okari Masita – Chairperson
2.Mr. Kasembeli Wafula Nasiuma – Member
3.Mr. Douglas Owiti Nyangidi – Member
4.Ms. Ann Wangechi Mwathi – Member
5.Mr. John Kariuki will represent the National Treasury in the committee, ensuring integration with the broader government financial oversight structure.
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CS Kagwe underscored the importance of the committee’s role, urging both Principal Secretaries in the Ministry(Dr.Kipronoh Ronoh- Agriculture and Jonathan Mueke for Livestock to jointly organize an induction session for the newly appointed members to facilitate a smooth takeoff.
The committee is tasked with supporting the Ministry’s Accounting Officers by overseeing issues of risk management, internal control, governance, and assurance processes. It will also follow up on the implementation of recommendations from both internal and external audits.
