The Ministry of Defence today launched a Ministerial Audit Committee, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. The Committee was inaugurated by Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to ensure efficient and responsible management of public resources.
The Audit Committee is established pursuant to Section 73 (5) of the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2012, which states that “Every national government public entity shall establish an audit committee whose composition and functions shall be as prescribed by the regulations.” The committee is composed of five members, including a chairman, two members, a representative from the National Treasury and Planning and the secretary.
The committee’s primary function will be to support the Ministry’s Accounting Officer, the Principal Secretary, in addressing issues related to risk, control, governance, and assurance. Additionally, the committee will follow up on the implementation of recommendations from both internal and external auditors to ensure the Ministry’s operations align with the highest standards of accountability. The committee is expected to have a significant impact on the Ministry’s governance practices, ensuring that all public funds are utilized effectively and in the best interests of the Nation.
In her address at the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Soipan Tuya emphasized the committee’s importance in strengthening oversight and governance within the Ministry.
“This committee is not only a regulatory requirement but a strategic initiative to bolster our commitment to integrity, transparency, and the responsible management of public resources,” she said.
She further stated, “Despite the uniqueness of the Defence Ministry, we are accountable to the public and owe all our stakeholders efficient and effective service delivery, without compromising the security of our nation. I shall ensure that the Ministerial Audit Committee embarks on their role immediately and discharges their function of overseeing issues of risk, controls, governance, and associated assurance, while following up on the implementation of the recommendations of auditors.”
The Cabinet Secretary also expressed her gratitude to the committee members for accepting their important roles. She highlighted their responsibilities as guardians of public trust, tasked with overseeing the Ministry’s financial practices and ensuring they align with the highest ethical standards.
As the Ministry of Defence moves forward with this new initiative, the launch of the Audit Committee reinforces its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellence in governance.
The event was attended by Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru, Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General John Omenda, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics (ACDF P&L) Major General David Ketter, senior officers, and members of the newly formed Audit Committee.
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