By Samson Wire
Barely one month after assuming office, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Economic Planning, CPA Dan Ochieng Okoth, has hit the ground running with a promise to deliver the much-needed fiscal reforms at the County Treasury.
During a rigorous, high-level, and all-inclusive meeting with departmental accountants, the CECM pledged timely, results-oriented financial reforms that will accelerate prudent fiscal management and enhance transparency in the County Government. These reforms, he said, will support the fulfilment of the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and Annual Development Plans (ADP), leading to improved service delivery.
CPA Okoth brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as Chief Officer for Water and in various capacities under the former administration. He urged the accountants to practice prudent financial appropriation and to act as defenders of the books of accounts.
“Always cultivate servant leadership, guard against financial improprieties and misallocations, and above all, be ready for the changes envisaged,” he said.
He further promised to ensure that all policy guidelines and legal provisions in the budget-making process are strictly followed, and that implementations are effected in a timely manner in accordance with established standards. This, he emphasized, will facilitate the prompt processing of payments, including staff salaries.
He noted that the budget-making process is a key component of planning, anchored in the 2010 Constitution and operationalized under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of 2012. The Act also provides for public participation, including persons with disabilities, youth, men, women, and other members of society.
Other core mandates of the Department of Finance and Economic Planning include audit oversight under Article 229 of the Constitution, which mandates the Auditor-General to audit both the County Government of Siaya and the National Government; regulations under the Public Finance Management Act (No. 18 of 2012) governing the handling of public funds; and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (PPDA) of 2015, which standardises procurement procedures and the disposal of assets by public entities.
The department also oversees Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tools used to track project progress and assess overall performance, ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively for their intended purposes. “I will ensure there is value for money in all government projects,” he stressed. He also highlighted the importance of sound tendering policies and the timely payment of workers’ salaries.
Regarding delayed salaries, he clarified that these had been occasioned by legislative processes, which he described as lawful. He assured staff that all issues had been addressed and that the county was awaiting the imminent release of the exchequer.
The CECM was accompanied by Director of Finance Christine Okoth, Director of Revenue Services Moses Keya, Head of Treasury Geoffrey Odhiambo, Deputy Finance Director Cornel Odhiambo, accountants, and administrators.