Controller of Budget Exposes Government's Salary Manipulations, Exaggeration of Allowances

The Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango was recently arrested and charged with attempted forgery and operating a Sacco without a licence.

The Budget Implementation Review Report has uncovered a startling revelation: The National Treasury had inflated salaries during President William Ruto's Ksh3 trillion budget implementation. In addition to this, Nyakango, who had previously brought attention to the exaggeration of her own salary, now asserts that mismanagement of funds was rampant throughout various offices.

Furthermore, the report indicates that certain officers were receiving allowances that exceeded the limits established by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). The report, however, fails to mention the specific officers who had their salaries inflated. Nyakango stresses the importance of accuracy in the Treasury's budgeting process to ensure a realistic portrayal of the government's spending on salaries.

In a recent interview, Treasury CS Njunguna Ndung'u clarified that budget estimates are utilized for the expenses of different officers, as certain factors like the precise amount of travel cannot be determined during the drafting stage. He refuted any accusations of mishandling finances. Regarding his travels, the Treasury CS noted there are some trips he is obligated to take, typically around 3 to 4. He added that work commitments occasionally tug him on unplanned excursions. He said that his colleagues aren't privy to the extent of his travels, thus granting their rough estimates. Then, during the annual review, they appraise expenses and match estimated expenses accordingly.

The Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o is facing legal problems that threaten to undermine her standing. Interestingly, she was arrested and escorted late at night to Mombasa, due to allegations of misconduct in a Sacco from several years prior. The bizarre and intricate nature of the incident raises concern that she may have upset influential individuals.