The National Treasury has cautioned Heads of Department (HoDs) working in Vihiga County against transacting sensitive treasury activities outside government offices.
The Vihiga Sub County Accountant, Wycliffe Khamati made the caution Monday when he addressed area County Service Delivery Committee Meeting held at County Commissioner’s Boardroom.
Khamati made a brief presentation on management of public funds to the meeting which brought together various HoDs led by County Commissioner, Mrs. Suzan Waweru.
The accountant advised officers in charge of Authority to Incur Expenditure (AIE) to keenly observe financial management guidelines as stipulated in The Public Finance Management Act, 2012.
“We want to caution AIE holders against conducting sensitive treasury activities, especially signing cheques and other sensitive documents, outside government offices as well as beyond working hours,” warned Khamati.
The accountant decried some past incidents where the AIE holders signed important treasury documents outside government offices, a situation he described as illegal and risky.
“Some officers have in the past signed cheques or payment vouchers at undesignated places, including their homes, hotels and even along the streets,” observed Khamati.
The official disclosed to the HoDs that the National Treasury was set to roll out a cashless system beginning July 1, 2019, in a move aimed at minimizing misappropriation of government funds.
“We urge you to properly follow national treasury regulations to avoid raising audit queries that can easily put your jobs on the line,” remarked Khamati.
By Maurice Aluda
