The government has ordered the surcharging of all civil servants in public entities where money has been lost or is unaccounted for.
In a letter from the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the government has ordered that public officers who are responsible for any loss of public resources be searched.
Koskei ordered, “Develop a procedure to ensure regular surcharges to recover any loss of public resources henceforth.”
A surcharge is a financial penalty imposed on public officers, including accountants, who are found responsible for the mismanagement or misappropriation of public resources. This action is typically taken following audits or investigations that reveal discrepancies in financial records or misuse of funds.
Furthermore, Koskei has directed government agencies to take action against civil servants mentioned in internal and external audit reports for improper conduct that has led to the loss of public resources.
In his letter, the Chief of Staff instructed public institutions to refer cases requiring further investigation to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for appropriate action.
“Initiate measures to sensitise and educate staff under your jurisdiction about the practices and procedures necessary to achieve sound fiscal discipline and integrity in the use of public resources,” Koskei mandated.
The letter, addressed to all Principal Secretaries, chairpersons, and Chief Executive Officers of independent constitutional commissions and offices, also extends to the leadership of state corporations, semi-autonomous government agencies (SAGAs), and unincorporated state agencies.
The government is basing its decision on Section 74 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, which requires accounting officers to take disciplinary action against public officials involved in financial misconduct.
According to the notice, the government will take action against public officers who fail to comply with the Public Finance Management Act, neglect their accounting responsibilities, or undermine financial management procedures and controls within their entities.
Koskei further warned that any public officer who authorises or permits unauthorised or unlawful expenditure or who fails, without reasonable excuse, to settle eligible and approved bills promptly despite the availability of funds will face consequences.
These measures form part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure prudent, responsible, and effective use of public resources across all public entities.
