The Office of the Controller of Budget was established by the Constitution of Kenya 2010, under Article 228(1), and became operational upon the appointment of the controller of budget on 27th August 2011.
The first Controller of Budget (COB) in Kenya was Mrs Agnes Odhiambo, who was appointed in August 2011, being a seasoned accounting and financial management professional.
Dr. Margaret N. Nyakang’o is the second controller of budget in Kenya since the creation of the office. She was appointed on Dec 4, 2019, after Mrs. Odhiambo completed her term. She has vast experience and academic prowess, including a doctorate in business administration from the University of Liverpool UK.
The maximum term limit for the controller of budget is eight years.
The role of the controller of budget
According to the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, there shall be a Controller of Budget who shall be nominated by the President and, with the approval of the National Assembly, appointed by the President.
To quality to be the controller, a person shall have extensive knowledge of public finance or at least 10 years of experience in auditing public finance management.
The role of the controller of budget is to oversee the implementation of the budgets of the national and county governments by authorising withdrawals from public funds according to stipulated laws.
The controller is also required to, every four months, submit to each House of Parliament a report on the implementation of national and county government budgets.
The office of the controller of budget was created with an aim of ensuring prudent public financial management in the country to foster development.
Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango arrested
On December 5, 2023, the controller of budget CPA Dr. Margaret N. Nyakang’o was arrested and arraigned in a Mombasa court over allegations of fraud, operating a sacco without a license, and forgery. She pleaded not guilty and was released on a Ksh 2 million bond or Ksh 500,000 cash.
As Citizen Digital reports, while appearing before the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) in October at the Bomas of Kenya, the Controller of Budget faulted the Treasury for the economic downfall in the country.
Appearing before NADCO, Nyakang’o accused the exchequer of tripling salaries for state officers and paying them outside their formal payrolls.
“Exaggerations are in the Treasury and let me give one example. When I was doing the budget for consolidated fund services where my salary is paid from, I found that my salary is budgeted at three times what I’m paid and it was like that for all the state officers. I asked them why it is showing that way and I have not received the answer to date,” Nyakang’o explained.
In a statement about the arrest of Nyakang’o, Azimio Leader Raila Odinga said, “As a party, we stand with Ms Nyakang’o and will offer whatever help we can in the interest of the war against corruption in the country.”
Leaders from the Gusii community have come out to defend Nyakang’o saying she is being targeted for boldly speaking about the ongoing mismanagement of public funds in William Ruto’s government.
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