Controller of Budget to roll out exchequer automated system

The Office of Controller of Budget will roll out the exchequer automation system in government entities followed by the gradual introduction of the system to counties to lessen the time taken for processing of fund releases.

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o said they have partnered with the National Treasury and the Central Bank in development of an exchequer automation system.

“The process is at an advanced stage and is expected to be rolled out regarding the National Government entities early in the 2020/21 financial year. County governments will be introduced to the system gradually,” Dr Nyakang’o said.

She added: “The current manual exchequer process will be mapped to the automated system, thereby greatly improving the turnaround time of processing exchequer approvals once implemented.”

Nyakang’o had in the past noted that manual exchequer process was tedious and prompted late release of funds because of the many documentations involved.

Governors and senators have in the past complained of the slow process of releasing funds to counties, prompting low absorption rates and poor service delivery.

“We have seen county staff, especially health workers strike in many counties every other month due to late payments of their salaries, which is brought about by late disbursements. This is often attributed to the slowness of the process,” Senator George Khaniri said.   

Nyakang’o noted county Finance executives should ensure compliance with the guidelines to facilitate timely release and efficient flow of funds.