The Principal Secretary for Defence, Dr Patrick Mariru, and the Vice-Chief of the Defence Forces presided over the opening as well as closing sessions of a Public Finance Management Workshop on Tuesday at the National Military Command Centre in Nairobi.
The 2-day workshop brought together heads of various departments within the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), including finance, accounts, Supply Chain Management, and Personnel and Logistics (P&L), to develop a clear roadmap for ensuring the Ministry focuses its budget on priority areas while eliminating the possibility of pending bills.
While making his opening remarks, the PS advised various departments within the Ministry to ensure accountability in using allocated resources to enhance efficiency.
Dr Mariru, who also serves as the Ministry of Defence’s accounting officer, emphasised his duty to ensure taxpayers’ money is used wisely, especially when the Ministry is operating on a tight budget.
He pointed out that the soldiers’ needs and requirements are the main priority in implementing the 2025/26 budget work plan.
“We need to interrogate ourselves daily, and ensure value for money. Everything we do as a Ministry must always be guided by our “North Star”, the soldier. We should always prioritise their needs,” he said.
He also urged all present to exercise consultations to ensure precise record keeping for the highest efficiency standards.
On his part, Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF) Lieutenant General John Omenda commended participants and facilitators for meaningful engagements that he said will enhance efficiency, credibility, and value for money in the use of public resources.
“During the session, critical topics affecting your specific areas have been tackled. This workshop has improved your efficiency and credibility in your work. This will also mean value for money in the use of public resources,” he said.
The VCDF urged stakeholders to prioritise needs, avoid overspending, and shun panic expenditure, noting that resources will always be limited.
“It is a fact that resources will never be enough. Prudently reorganise our needs and prioritise accordingly. Again, let us avoid panic spending,” he said.
The capacity-building workshop provided clear guidelines on budgeting, planning, and procurement. It outlined how performance contracts ensure accountability for results across various departments.
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