FCPA Hesbon Omollo, a council member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), recently shared important views on how corruption finds its way into the national budget long before money is even released.
He explained that the budget-making process is not only a technical matter but also a highly political one, with Members of Parliament (MPs) playing a central role in determining where funds go. According to him, this early stage has become one of the biggest entry points for misuse of public funds.
Omollo pointed out that parastatal heads, who manage state corporations and agencies, often have to engage in back-and-forth conversations with parliamentary committees to secure funding for their institutions.
These interactions, while presented as normal discussions, sometimes open doors for corruption.
In many cases, projects or allocations may be influenced not by genuine national needs but by personal or political interests.
This means that some important areas could be left underfunded, while others receive more than they deserve because of these hidden negotiations.He stressed that the real issue is not only about how the money is shared out but also about the lack of transparency in the entire budget cycle.
The process of negotiating allocations often happens in ways the public cannot see, leaving room for favoritism or even financial deals that benefit a few individuals.
When accountability is missing at the very start, the entire system is weakened, and the effects are felt across all sectors of the economy.
The consequences of this problem are serious. Experts warn that when budget allocations are influenced by politics or corruption, services that directly affect citizens, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, often suffer.
This mismanagement does not just affect service delivery in the short term but also poses risks to Kenya’s long-term financial stability. When resources are diverted from where they are most needed, the government is forced to operate under strained conditions, and citizens lose confidence in public institutions.
Omollo’s observations have ignited ongoing conversations about the need for reforms to strengthen accountability in budget-making. Suggestions from governance experts include stronger parliamentary oversight, proper audit systems, and ensuring that all discussions and negotiations are well-documented and made accessible to the public.
These measures would make it harder for corruption to thrive and easier for citizens to trust the system.In the end, the call is not just for technical adjustments but for stronger values of ethical leadership and integrity. If MPs and parastatal heads commit to honesty and fairness, Kenya will be better positioned to protect its public resources, direct funds to the right priorities, and create a culture of responsible governance that benefits everyone.
