Internal Auditors Urged to Guard Independence and Fight Corruption

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya’s internal auditors have been urged to uphold professional independence and uphold integrity in the quest to ensure accountability in different public institutions.

Speaking at the 22nd Annual Seminar of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Kenya in Mombasa, leaders from key oversight and governance bodies underscored the growing importance of internal auditors in safeguarding public funds and promoting transparency.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, one of the guest speakers at the event, commended the institute for “speaking truth to power,” and called for legal reforms to grant internal auditors institutional autonomy.

“Auditors should report directly to their respective boards or county cabinets -not as a footnote – and must be protected from victimization for their findings,” Governor Kang’ata said.

“Your work helps organizations identify and correct weaknesses before external audits come in. You are partners in building better institutions,”he added.

IIA Kenya Chairperson Lilian Wangechi said this year’s seminar brought together hundreds of delegates from the public and private sectors to explore emerging trends shaping the profession — from artificial intelligence and digital transformation to the government’s new zero-audit policy that promotes proactive auditing and early risk detection.

“We are also discussing transitions such as the move from cash to accrual accounting and the adoption of the Electronic Government Procurement (EGP) system,” she noted.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson, David Oginde, underscored the critical role of internal auditors in both the prevention and enforcement of anti-corruption measures.

“Auditors detect and seal potential leakages before resources are lost.When corruption occurs, their reports and documentation are vital to our investigations and prosecutions. We are partners in safeguarding national resources,”said Oginde.

From the Public Service Commission (PSC), CEO Paul Faber emphasized the need to position internal auditors strategically within organizations.

“We see auditors not merely as compliance officers but as strategic advisers with authority to guide management on prudent resource use,” he said.

National Treasury’s Internal Auditor General, Sami Kimongi, announced that Kenya has officially adopted the Global Internal Audit Standards 2024, issued through a Treasury circular on September 27, to align with best international practices.

“The transformation aims to make audit functions more proactive, strategic, and future-oriented,” Kimongi said.

“We are diversifying skills to address emerging risks — including cybersecurity, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues — while advancing the government’s zero-audit initiative.”he added.

The five-day seminar brought together internal auditors, policymakers, regulators, and corporate leaders to deliberate on how to strengthen Kenya’s internal audit systems amid sweeping governance reforms and evolving global standards.