By John Ikani
Kenya’s Auditor-General, Nancy Gathungu, has suggested that Kenyans, who embezzle public funds should be encouraged to invest their loot in the country, rather than hide it abroad.
She argues that illicit financial flows, if invested locally, could lead to more development in the country.
Ms. Gathungu’s comments follow a 2020 research report by the World Bank, which estimates that up to $2.6bn (£2.1bn) in public funds has been stashed in offshore bank accounts by Kenyan ruling elites.
Speaking at a meeting in Nairobi, Gathungu proposed a campaign to encourage those who have stolen public funds to invest their ill-gotten gains back into Kenya.
She suggested, “if you steal it and you are able to get away with it, invest it in the country where it is stolen. If you steal it from Kenyans, invest it in Kenya.”
This approach is being considered by other auditor generals in the region, according to Gathungu.
The proposal has drawn varied reactions on social media.
While some applaud the pragmatic approach of the auditor-general, others view it as a surrender in efforts to streamline the use of public funds.
The ‘Auditor-General’, is an independent constitutional office charged with monitoring the use and management of public resources in Kenya.
