SENATOR OKONG'O MOGENI PUSHES FOR MANDATORY IFMIS REPORTS TO STRENGTHEN COUNTY ACCOUNTABILITY

The Senate has intensified its push for greater transparency in county governments by calling for the regular submission of Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) reports, arguing that the move will strengthen oversight over the use of billions of shillings allocated to devolved units.

During Wednesday's sitting, Nyamira Senator Okong'o Mogeni, while moving the motion, urged the House to support the proposal, saying access to IFMIS reports is essential for effective oversight of county finances.
"Transparency and accountability are at the heart of prudent public financial management," Senator Okong'o Mogeni told the House, maintaining that the Senate cannot effectively oversee counties without timely access to their financial records.
IFMIS is the government's digital platform used to manage budgeting, procurement, payments, and financial reporting. The system was introduced to promote accountability by ensuring government transactions are recorded and can be traced from the point of allocation to expenditure.

To illustrate the need for enhanced oversight, Senator Okong'o Mogeni cited the implementation of water projects in Nyamira County. He observed that despite substantial budgetary allocations for water development, many projects fail to achieve their intended objectives. "In my county, Nyamira, the projects I have visited show that the government drills boreholes, and that is where the work ends," he said, questioning whether funds allocated for water projects are being fully utilized to provide residents with sustainable access to clean water.

According to Senator Okong'o Mogeni, county governments receive billions of shillings every financial year, making it necessary for the Senate to have unrestricted access to financial reports in order to monitor how public resources are utilized.
He argued that regular submission of IFMIS reports would enable senators to detect financial irregularities early, monitor expenditure, and ensure taxpayers' money is directed towards development projects that benefit wananchi.

Okong'o Mogeni further noted that the proposal is not intended to undermine devolution but to strengthen accountability and improve public confidence in county governments. He emphasized that transparency should be embraced by all county administrations as a constitutional obligation rather than viewed as interference.

The debate comes amid persistent concerns over stalled projects, pending bills, and recurring audit queries affecting several county governments. Supporters of the motion believe enhanced access to IFMIS reports will enable the Senate to discharge its constitutional oversight role more effectively.

If adopted, the proposal would require closer collaboration between county governments, the National Treasury, and oversight institutions to ensure timely submission of accurate financial reports. The move is expected to enhance transparency, promote responsible use of public funds, and reinforce accountability across all 47 counties.

As Kenya continues to strengthen devolution, Senator Okong'o Mogeni's proposal reflects the growing demand for openness and prudent management of public resources, with the Senate seeking greater access to the financial information needed to hold county governments accountable.