Billions Lost, Enough Is Enough! Wetang'ula Backs Tough New Law to Seal Corruption Loopholes

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Moses Wetang’ula has thrown his weight behind a proposed law aimed at strengthening Kenya’s internal audit systems, arguing that stronger oversight is key to preventing corruption and protecting public resources.

The Speaker of the National Assembly made the commitment after holding talks with leaders of the Institute of Internal Auditors–Kenya, who are pushing for legal reforms to enhance the profession’s independence and effectiveness.

Speaking after a courtesy call by a delegation from the Institute of Internal Auditors–Kenya at Parliament Buildings, Wetang’ula said the National Assembly remains committed to supporting reforms that promote transparency, accountability and integrity in both public and private institutions.

The delegation was led by the Institute’s Chairperson, CPA Lillian Wangechi Mwangi, who sought Parliament’s backing for the proposed Internal Auditors Bill.

The legislation seeks to provide a stronger legal framework for the internal auditing profession while enhancing its independence and ensuring auditors can effectively carry out their oversight responsibilities without interference.

Following the meeting, Wetang’ula announced that he had referred the Bill to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for consideration.

He also directed the committee, chaired by Molo MP Kuria Kimani, to subject the proposed legislation to comprehensive scrutiny before it is tabled before the House for debate.

The Speaker emphasized that thorough stakeholder engagement and detailed examination of the Bill will be essential in ensuring it addresses existing gaps in governance and financial oversight.

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Wetang’ula warned that weak internal audit systems have, in several instances, failed to detect or prevent corruption, allowing fraudulent procurement deals and financial mismanagement to thrive.

According to the Speaker, such weaknesses have contributed to the loss of billions of shillings in taxpayers’ money through inflated contracts and irregular expenditure.

He stressed that strengthening internal audit mechanisms would significantly improve accountability in government institutions while enhancing public confidence in the management of public resources.

The proposed Internal Auditors Bill is expected to establish clearer professional standards, reinforce the independence of internal auditors and improve compliance with governance and financial management practices across institutions.

The Institute of Internal Auditors–Kenya believes the legislation will elevate the profession by providing a stronger legal foundation and ensuring internal auditors play a more effective role in identifying risks, preventing financial irregularities and supporting sound corporate governance.

If approved by Parliament, the Bill could mark a significant milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public financial management and intensify the fight against corruption.

Wetang’ula reaffirmed that the National Assembly will continue supporting legislative reforms that safeguard public funds, improve institutional accountability and promote transparency across both the public and private sectors.