Margaret Nyakang’o is the Controller of Budget (CoB) for Kenya having been appointed in December 2019 to replace her predecessor, Agnes Odhiambo.
Notably, the CoB has found herself at the center of a storm following her arrest and subsequent charges on December 6, 2023.
This was after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved the four fraud-related charges filed against her by the state.
However, looking beyond the recent events, Nyakang’o boasts over 30 years of experience in finance, accounting, and strategic management, among other sectors.
Experience and Education
Additionally, the University of Liverpool alumnus’ vast experience in numerous organizations ensured she brought a wealth of expertise to her role.
She is a Certified Public Accountant and an active member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.
Likewise, Nyakang’o is not only a member of the Association of Women Accountants of Kenya but also an influential figure in the Women on Boards Network.
Her academic journey includes earning a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Liverpool in 2016.
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In addition, she holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a focus on Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi.
Nyakang’o at KNBS
Nyakang’o boasts vast experience in numerous organizations, both in the public and private sectors.
Notably, she served as the Director of Finance & Administration at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) from 2008 to 2018.
During her tenure at KNBS, she acted as a Financial Advisor to the Board of Directors, providing invaluable insights into finance and administration.
Also, she acted as a member and financial advisor to the Tender committee in charge of all accounting and financial reporting.
Contributing to the academia world, Margaret Nyakang’o has previously lectured Public Sector Finance at KCA University between January and December 2019.
Nyakang’o shared and disseminated her wealth of experience at the University, where she integrated academic theory into the practical world of business.
Controller of Budget
The CoB is nominated by the President and, with the approval of the National Assembly, appointed.
Notably, qualification for the Controller of Budget role includes having extensive knowledge of public finance or at least ten years’ experience in auditing public finance management.
As the head of the Office of CoB, Nyakang’o oversees the implementation of budgets for both National and County Governments.
Her role involves authorizing withdrawals from public funds, as well as preparing and publicizing statutory reports.
Additionally, her duties encompass conducting investigations based on own initiative or on a complaint made by a member of the public.
Similarly, Margaret Nyakang’o is responsible for providing advice to Parliament on fund transfers and conducting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Arrest and Charges
Nonetheless, the controller of budget faces four fraud-related charges filed by the State, stemming from a complaint made against her four years ago.
Notably, the charges include defrauding an individual of Sh29 million, operating an unlicensed Sacco, and forging signatures.
In addition, the charges set the stage for a legal battle that could potentially lead to her removal from office.
Nyakang’o Tussles with the Government
The Controller of Budget recently clashed with the government after revealing suspicious inflation of salary budgets for constitutional office holders.
Earlier in November, the COB appeared before the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) at the Bomas of Kenya and raised concerns about the waste of public funds.
She complained about the overbudgeting of salaries of state officials giving an example of her own salary budget that was three times higher than it ought to be.
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“I would ask the committee to talk to the national Treasury on a very serious note. The exaggeration is in the national treasury.
“I found out that my salary was budgeted at three times what I am paid, and it was like that for all the state officers,” Nyakango stated.
This revelation brought her into the spotlight as a crucial check against profligacy in government.
Removal from office
Notably Margaret Nyakang’o enjoys security of tenure but can only be removed in case of serious violation of the constitution or contravention of Chapter Six on leadership and integrity.
Additionally, gross misconduct, physical or mental incapacity, incompetence, or bankruptcy can cost the COB her post.
If found guilty of fraud, a tribunal appointed by the President would determine if sufficient grounds exists for her removal from office.
