Kenyan delegation calls for better oversight of ICGLR funds, to build better regional public trust

𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐋𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚, 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐚

The Kenyan delegation to the 15th Ordinary Session of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in Luanda, Angola has called for more financial prudence, and robust audit of the regional body's funds to enhance public trust and spur broader resource mobilization from within and beyond the state parties.

The delegation, led by Senate Speaker the Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi, made this submission during the ongoing ICGLR conference in Luanda Angola, where the Summit is being held.

During a meeting of the ICGLR Parliamentary Forum's Committee on Finance and Resource Mobilization, Committee Member and Nyeri Senator, Hon. Wahome Wamatinga, who represents the Kenyan ICGLR Parliamentary Caucus in the Committee, noted that delayed release of financial reports, and lack of full involvement of the member states in financial audits was working against the campaigns for resource mobilization.

"Some of these reports need to be released in good time, so that the member states are also able to review and critique them in good time," noted Sen. Wamatinga.

Fellow delegation Member and Buuri MP, Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri, challenged the ICGLR Finance Commitee to intensify its audit processes, and where necessary also involve competent external auditors to ensure that the reports it tables before the Executive Committees are watertight and convincing to build public trust among the member states.

"The principle objective of this Committee is to oversight all the funds that come to ICGLR, and after these deliberations,we expect that Members will adopt a report. If these emerging concerns are not addressed, the report may face disapproval when it is tabled before the Executive Commitee," noted Hon. Rindikiri.

The Kenyan delegations raised these cobcerns alongside other Member States who questioned some of the expenditures incurred by the regional body.

President of the ICGLR Finance and Resource Mobilization Committee Hon. Suzana Augusta, also challenged state parties to speedily clear their arrears, to facilitate faster clearance of key pending regional agenda including peace and security among several member states.