Ruto signs law targeting officials who ignore audit findings

President William Ruto has signed into law changes that could penalise public entities for failing to implement recommendations by the Auditor-General and Controller of Budget. The Public Finance Management Amendment Bill 2025 is one of four Bills Ruto assented to, alongside legislation on population planning, air passenger charges and trust administration. The amendments shorten the period within which public entities must submit financial statements and introduce penalties for failing to implement recommendations arising from reports by the Auditor-General and Controller of Budget, including findings adopted by Parliament or county assemblies. The changes seek to strengthen oversight of public funds and ensure recommendations by constitutional oversight institutions are acted on. Ruto also signed the National Council for Population and Development Bill, which establishes the National Council for Population and Development as a statutory body responsible for population and development matters.