Uhuru Appoints Stephen Masha As Acting Controller of Budget

President Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed Stephen Masha as the acting Controller of Budget (CoG) as the position was declared vacant after the exit of Agnes Odhiambo.

The president made this announcement which was published in a gazette following the end of Agnes Odhiambo’s term on Monday.

Stephen Masha who had been the deputy budget controller will hold the acting position for a period of 90 days until a new budget controller is named.

Public Service Commission (PSC) had earlier declared the position vacant through a separate gazette notice specifying the requirements for one to suit the job.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Section 4(2) of the Controller of Budget Act, 2016 the Public Service Commission declares a vacancy in the position of Controller of Budget and invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the position of Controller of Budget,” read part of the notice.

The chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Stephen Kirogo, said that those interested and think they are suited for the positions to have until September 9 at 5 p.m. to submit their applications, addressing the CEO Public Service Commission.

The applicants should have extensive knowledge of public finance or at least ten years’ experience in auditing public finance management.

The applicants should also have a degree in finance, accounting or economics and should have cleared all their tax obligations.

The qualifications extend to the position of the Auditor General which was declared vacant as Edward Ouko’s term also ended this month.

During her outgoing speech, Agnes Odhiambo said she appreciated the special position she was granted pointing that it was a special one.

“This office was unique. It is the only one in Africa. We did not have staff apart from 22 that was seconded to us from the ministries,” she said.

However, she had a parting shot for the county governments, suggesting that the KRA should collect the revenue for the counties.

“Counties are collecting fewer revenues than their potential because of weak systems or leakages. Counties should put in place efficient systems of collecting revenue,” She added.

Edward Ouko and Agnes Odhiambo held their respective positions for a period of eight years each and their retirements have left a gap at the PSC offices.

The applications for the positions took effect as of August 27 to September 5, 2019. The names of all applicants shall be published in the Kenya Gazette and on the Commission’s website. Shortlisted candidates will be required to present original documents during interviews.