Siaya Governor James Orengo has appointed former Auditor General Edward Ouko to a taskforce spearheading financial reforms in the county.
Ouko was unveiled on Tuesday, October 4 as part of a 7-member-committee tasked with evaluating the county revenue administration and human resources.
Also appointed to the taskforce was former Prime Minister Raila Odinga strategists Prof Adams Oloo.
The other 5 are Grace Ongile, Bella Akinyi, Peter Joseph Okoth, Jared Buoga and Leonard Okanda.
In a statement, Orengo noted that the task force would help streamline service delivery to the county and ensure that there is prudent use of public resources.
Further, he stated that the task force will help the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) which is investigating the withdrawal of Ksh400 million by county officials days leading to the elections.
"Today I have officially unveiled the taskforce on Siaya County Systems Audit and Governance Reforms. The mandate of the audit will include an evaluation, assessment and determination of the county's human resource establishment and revenue administration.
The governor also announced changes to the finance departments which will be reviewed by the Ouko-led team.
Orengo's appointment comes days after EACC launched investigations over the unexplained withdrawal of millions of shillings during the latter days of his predecessor's reign.
"All ten departmental accountants and procurement officers have been transferred to other departments or given other assignments.
"The procedure for payment of imprest or making cash withdrawals must be done in strict compliance with the financial regulations and must be evidenced by written requisition thereof and approvals in writing and delivery receipts must be obtained from the payee or beneficiary in writing signified by valid signatures and/or stamps, " he announced.
Ouko's term as the Auditor General ended in 2017 having served in the position for eight years.
He was succeeded by Nancy Gathungu.
