Controller of Budget opens public participation on proposed law changes

The Office of the Controller of Budget has launched a public consultation period for proposed modifications to the legislation governing its operations. The consultation pertains to the Draft Controller of Budget (Amendment) Bill and Draft Controller of Budget Regulations. The Office of the Controller of Budget, headed by Margaret Nyakang’o, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of both national and county government budgets.

The proposed regulations aim to rectify issues that have surfaced during the execution of the existing Controller of Budget Act. The Office has published a notice on MyGov, inviting public input on the Draft Bill and Regulations.

The proposed regulations would delineate the procedures for accessing public funds, implementing budget ceilings, and overseeing budget execution. Stakeholders and the general public will have the chance to voice their opinions at forums scheduled across several Kenyan cities. The inaugural forum is set to take place in Lodwar, Turkana, on October 12, followed by meetings in Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Nanyuki, Meru, Kitui, Garissa, Malindi, Mombasa, and Nairobi.

The notice specifies that the proposed regulations will encompass budget implementation monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, as well as investigations and recommendations to national and county governments on enhancing budgetary performance. These regulations will also establish protocols for filing quarterly and special reports, as well as procedures for investigations, conciliation, mediation, and negotiation.

The public participation initiative adheres to constitutional mandates on public engagement and stakeholder involvement. Nyakang’o, who has been serving as Controller of Budget since December 2019, has solicited written comments on the Draft Bill and Regulations, which must be submitted to the Office of the Controller of Budget by 5:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

The draft documents are accessible through the Office of the Controller of Budget for review before submitting feedback. The public forums will persist until November 12, when stakeholders from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado will convene in Nairobi.