Chief Officers warned against taking verbal orders, succumbing to political pressure

By Peter Ochieng 

Chief Officers have been reminded of their role in helping curb corruption.

Bungoma governor Ken Lusaka says Chief Officers, who double up as accounting officers in county departments must ensure prudent use of public resources, while strictly adhering to the law.

Speaking while gracing the openning ceremony of an induction workshop of newly appointed Chief Officers in Mombasa, Lusaka reminded them that the back will always stop with them.

He warned them against taking verbal orders from anyone, as far as use use of public funds is concerned.

“Never take verbal instructions, always ensure you have written circulars which are per with the laws and procedures of the Public Finance Management Act," said Lusaka.

Lusaka who spoke on behalf of the Council of Governors (CoG) said accounting officers have previously been left to carry their own cross, after succumbing to political pressure, to 'dip their fingers in public coffers.'

“If you don’t follow the law and procedures you will always be visitors of Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission when those you took command from are long gone."

"This induction presents a chance for us to be well acquainted with the sector issues and canvass on the emerging issues that need our attention,” added Lusaka.

The induction aims at equipping Chief Officers with knowledge on a wide range of issues.

They include general overview of devolution, county framework on planning and budgeting, county government financing, county government procurement, financial reporting, program/project management and monitoring and evaluation.