Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has proposed amendments to the Public Audit Act to address gaps hindering public institutions from fully adhering to constitutional principles on inclusion and equal opportunities. Gathungu presented these proposals during a meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities at Parliament Buildings.
The amendments aim to promote national cohesion by ensuring public institutions recruit a diverse workforce across all employment levels, with a particular emphasis on lower cadre staff and persons living with disabilities (PLWDs). Gathungu pointed out that current regulations often result in local recruitment for junior positions, undermining the objective of fostering national integration.
“Although the Act provides for affirmative action, challenges in attracting candidates for lower-level positions have led to institutions hiring locals from their jurisdictions,” Gathungu explained. She proposed a reservation threshold for lower job grades, similar to provisions in public procurement law, which would ensure equitable representation.
In addition, Gathungu recommended that the law be amended to ensure equal representation at all levels of employment—senior management, middle management, and junior staff. This proposal aims to address the imbalance where marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and PLWDs, are underrepresented in senior roles but overrepresented in lower positions.
The Committee, led by Chairperson Adan Yussuf Haji, welcomed Gathungu’s suggestions, noting that they align with amendments already under consideration. However, members expressed concern over the Office of the Auditor-General’s (OAG) current non-compliance with the legal requirement of employing at least five percent PLWDs. Gathungu acknowledged that only 38 of the OAG’s staff, or 2 percent, are PLWDs, a slight improvement from 34 previously.
Further, Gathungu highlighted challenges in meeting the 30 percent public procurement reservation for disadvantaged groups. She noted that the highly specialized nature of procurement activities complicates the inclusion of youth and PLWDs.
Committee Vice Chair Charles Were emphasized the need for awareness campaigns to encourage disadvantaged groups to take advantage of available opportunities. The proposed amendments are a step toward ensuring a more inclusive public service, in line with the Constitution’s spirit of national cohesion and equal opportunity.
