MPs demand full disclosure as Kenya School of Government faces repeated audit issues

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, chair of the Public Investments Committee, which pressed the Kenya School of Government for answers over repeated audit concerns. (Photo: Parliament of Kenya)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Wednesday, August 27, 2025

The Auditor-General flagged Sh8.8 million in unsupported general expenses for 2019 due to missing vouchers, despite KSG claiming it had submitted the records, prompting calls for further verification.

The Kenya School of Government (KSG) is facing renewed scrutiny after the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA) raised concerns over persistent audit lapses between 2017 and 2021.

MPs warned that repeated financial irregularities risk undermining the institution’s mandate of strengthening the civil service.

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Committee chairperson, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, criticised the recurrence of the issues.

“The recurring nature of these audit queries is unacceptable. KSG plays a central role in shaping our civil service, and its operations must be above reproach,” he said.

Among the flagged issues was Sh8.8 million in unsupported general expenses during the 2019 financial year, for which no proper vouchers were presented. KSG maintained that the records had been submitted, but the Auditor-General insisted on further verification to ensure compliance.

Other contentious areas included unsettled receivables amounting to over Sh1.1 billion and unexplained credit balances of Sh104 million. KSG attributed the discrepancies to its 11 per cent general provision policy and ongoing reconciliations, but MPs demanded fuller disclosure and accountability.

Staff remittance errors of Sh2.3 million in 2020 also came under scrutiny. Defending the institution, KSG CEO, Prof Nura Mohamed, explained: “Deductions are typically paid the following month, and relevant schedules are available.”

The Auditor-General further flagged Sh8 million in unsupported payments for advertising, hospitality, accommodation, and security services. While KSG insisted the documentation had been provided, MPs questioned whether the records adequately addressed audit concerns.

Another issue was Sh4 million in irregular allowances paid to individuals not formally recognised as council members. KSG argued that co-opted members were entitled to allowances, but the Auditor-General clarified: “Co-opted members should receive professional fees, not council allowances.”

Recruitment practices

Recruitment practices were also faulted. In 2020, KSG advertised 23 vacancies but kept applications open for only 15 days, contrary to the 21-day minimum set by the Public Service Commission (PSC). KSG defended its internal 14-day policy, but MPs urged strict compliance with PSC rules.

Additional concerns included incomplete land ownership documents, budget underspending of Sh228.7 million in 2021—exceeding the 10 per cent legal threshold—delays in construction projects, unsettled motor vehicle insurance claims, and the long-term employment of casual staff.

KSG’s management attributed many of these challenges to administrative hurdles during the rollout of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Nura said the ERP platform would enhance efficiency, accountability, and financial management.

He also pointed to progress, noting that revenue rose from Sh1.7 billion to Sh2.1 billion in 2023/24, alongside improved rent collection through payroll deductions and advance payments.

To restore accountability, the Committee gave KSG three weeks to submit all pending records. The Auditor-General will then take a week to verify the documents before presenting a report to Parliament.