Okiya Omtatah Pushes for Live Access to County Spending Data By Senators
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has introduced a motion in the Senate calling on the National Treasury to grant lawmakers real-time access to the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) for all counties.
He argues that this step is essential for effective oversight of how devolved funds are used, allowing senators to track expenditures as they happen rather than relying on outdated reports long after money has been spent. The proposal draws support from constitutional provisions on the Senate’s role in protecting county resources and promoting good governance.
Omtatah emphasized that delayed financial information makes it difficult to spot irregularities or prevent misuse of public money in good time. By having immediate visibility into IFMIS records, senators would be better positioned to monitor transactions, ask tough questions, and ensure accountability before problems escalate. He believes this transparency measure would strengthen the upper house’s ability to safeguard devolution and promote responsible financial management at the county level.
The motion highlights broader concerns about fiscal oversight in Kenya, where public resources must be protected to deliver meaningful development to citizens. If passed, it could mark a significant shift by empowering legislators with direct tools to follow budget execution closely and respond swiftly to any red flags. Omtatah wrapped up his push with a strong message on the link between openness and responsibility in handling taxpayers’ money.
This initiative comes at a time when Kenyans expect higher standards of integrity in public finance. Should the Senate adopt the motion, it may set a new benchmark for how national and county governments handle financial data, ultimately contributing to more efficient service delivery and reduced waste across the country.
