Ruto finally gives in to IMF demand to audit govt over corruption

Kenya has invited the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the authority to conduct a comprehensive corruption and governance audit. 

This initiative aims to address the persistent graft that has repeatedly plagued the country, undermining the economy and negatively affecting the livelihoods of Kenyans.

IMF had requested Kenya to allow it to conduct the audit before releasing new funding of Ksh77.5 billion. This was after President William Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill 2024, which planned to increase taxes by Sh346 billion. 

“We need to take the fight against corruption a notch higher and cast away the spirit of corruption. The war on corruption has taken a long time. We must ask ourselves where corruption is domiciled so that we can tackle it head-on,” said Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavad on Monday. 

Mudavadi stated this while speaking at a Nairobi hotel during the opening of the Kenya Revenue Authority Summit 2024.

He further urged government officers to take the audit process seriously, emphasising that those who do not participate will still be scrutinised as part of the diagnostic exercise.

PCS Musalia Mudavadi (centre) and Treasury CS John Mbadi (At the opening of the 2024 Kenya Revenue Authority (fourth left) at KRA Summit 2024 at Safari Park Hotel. (Photo: Musalia Mudavadi)

The PCS added that the audit will extend to every ministry and government institution as President William Ruto's administration intensifies its fight against corruption.

“On our volution. We have requested a governance and corruption diagnostic, and I signed off on that request on behalf of the government of Kenya,” he insisted. 

IMF is yet to release a statement on Kenya allowing to audit of the entire government. 

Meanwhile, Mudavadi emphasised the need for KRA to expand the tax base in a manner that enhances revenue collection without overburdening taxpayers. He highlighted that broadening the tax net would boost government revenue while protecting citizens from excessive taxation.

Addressing the Africa Customs and Trade Conference, Mudavadi stressed the critical role of trade facilitation in promoting economic growth. 

He called for greater collaboration among African nations to create a business-friendly environment, enabling governments to generate the resources needed to invest in social services, infrastructure, and public goods that benefit the entire population.

In attendance at the summit were John Mbadi, Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, Anthony Mwaura, Chair, KRA Board of Directors, KRA Board of Directors, Humphrey Wattanga, KRA Commissioner General, and Commissioner Generals from Other African Countries.