The National Police Service (NPS) has finally attained financial autonomy.
This is after the Inspector General (IG) of police received official designation as the accounting officer of the service by the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani.
“In accordance with the powers conferred on the Cabinet Secretary to the National Treasury by Section 67 of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2012 you are hereby designated the Accounting Officer for Vote 1025 (National Police Service) for the financial year 2022/2023 with effect from 15th September 2022.” read part of Yattani’s letter to IG Hillary Mutyambai dated September 15.
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The CS’s action follows President William Ruto’s directive after his inauguration on September 13, saying the move would enhance the independence and efficiency of the critical service.
“Financial independence to the police will give impetus to the fight against corruption and end the political weaponization of the criminal justice system; an undertaking I made to the people of Kenya,” said Ruto.
In the letter, Yattani further stated that as an accounting officer, the IG needed to familiarize himself with all laws and regulations on public finance matters.
“As an Accounting Officer, you must comply and familiarize yourself with the Constitution, the PFM Act 2012, the PFM Regulations (National Government) of 2015, the Public Procurement and Disposal Act of 2015 and Public Audit Act of 2015 and various other laws and regulations,” read the letter.
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Some of the responsibilities for the IG that comes with the new role include updating the Interior Cabinet Secretary on the service’s financial matters and reporting any other issues as may be requested by the CS.
Further, the IG will be forced to join other accounting officers in meetings called by the Finance CS to deliberate on matters of finance.
However, the letter is yet to find Mutyambai, who has been on sick leave since August 26, with Deputy IG of police Noor Gabow acting in his capacity.
