SRC and EACC sign MOU to enhance compliance to Public Finance Management principles

In a quest to promote openness and accountability in the management of public finances, and specifically relating to remuneration and benefits payable to State and other public officers, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The framework of cooperation and collaboration, which was signed by Lyn Mengich, Chairperson, SRC, and Archbishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala, Chairman, EACC, will facilitate the realisation of the principles of public finance, as stipulated in Article 201 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and as expounded in the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.

These principles include the promotion of openness and accountability, the adoption of a public finance system that promotes an equitable society, the use of public funds in a prudent and responsible way, and ensuring clarity in fiscal reporting and responsible financial management.

“This MoU offers a collaborative platform for the provision of information and data related to public finance management, and on pertinent non-compliance concerns,” said Dr. Wabukala, adding: “We shall also undertake joint activities such as field missions to review expenditures, compliance check, capacity building and sensitisation sessions.”

On her part, Mrs. Mengich noted that SRC shall collaborate with EACC “on matters relating to the remuneration and benefits in the public service, resulting to greater value for the tax payer.” She added that the engagement with EACC “shall enhance compliance to SRC advisories and ensure State and public officers uphold high standards of integrity and ethical conduct, while discharging their public duty.”

The two commissions agreed to exchange records, information and data, participate in joint action in relation to remuneration and/or benefits of State and public officers, and enforcement of compliance to regulations and advisories, conducting public education and awareness on individual mandates, undertaking preventive measures against unethical practices, and the provision of professional advice on matters within SRC’s and EACC’s purview.

The MoU marks a major starting point to combining the synergies of the two institutions and using respective strengths to achieve the overall objectives for the mutual benefit and interest of both commissions, and resulting into greater public benefit for the people of Kenya.