In Kenya’s ever-evolving governance landscape, a few individuals stand out for their integrity, courage, and commitment to transparency. Among them are three remarkable women who have dedicated their careers to upholding accountability and ensuring ethical leadership in public service.
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Faith Odhiambo, Nancy Gathungu, and Margaret Nyakang’o have become powerful symbols of reform, proving that principled leadership is not only possible but necessary.
Faith Odhiambo: Defending legal and institutional integrity
Faith Odhiambo, the president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), has consistently upheld the rule of law.
Her recent decision to reject an appointment to a presidential task force auditing public debt stood as one of her courageous acts, showing her deep commitment to institutional integrity. She argued that such a mandate falls under the Auditor General’s office and should not be politicised or placed in the hands of an external task force.
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By taking this principled stance, Odhiambo reaffirmed the independence of oversight institutions and reinforced the LSK’s role as a watchdog for constitutional compliance.
Her decision sends a clear message that the law must be followed and government institutions must operate within their legal frameworks.
Nancy Gathungu: Championing fiscal accountability
Since her appointment as Auditor General in 2020, Nancy Gathungu has been instrumental in uncovering financial irregularities within government operations.
Her office has played a critical role in exposing corruption, mismanagement, and wastage of public resources. Through her audits, she has brought to light the growing concerns surrounding Kenya’s rising public debt, prompting urgent conversations on financial prudence and sustainability.
Gathungu’s work is very key, especially in a country like Kenya where public funds are often misallocated or lost to corruption. Her fearless audits not only hold leaders accountable but also educate the public on the importance of responsible financial management.
Her efforts emphasise the vital role of independent oversight institutions in preventing economic crises and ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently
Margaret Nyakang’o: Safeguarding public funds
As the Controller of Budget since 2019, Margaret Nyakang’o plays a crucial role in ensuring that government spending adheres to approved budgets. She oversees the disbursement of public funds, ensuring that both national and county governments remain within their fiscal limits and do not misuse resources.
Nyakang’o has been vocal about the need for greater financial discipline, often highlighting cases where government institutions exceed their budgets or allocate funds irresponsibly.
Her diligence helps prevent the reckless borrowing and overspending that have contributed to Kenya’s debt burden. By maintaining stringent oversight, she ensures that funds are directed toward essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure rather than being lost to inefficiencies or corruption.
The Power of ethical leadership
Together, Odhiambo, Gathungu, and Nyakang’o exemplify the impact of ethical leadership in public service. Their dedication to accountability is not just about enforcing rules—it is about protecting Kenya’s future. Their work has bolstered public confidence in institutions that have long been plagued by corruption and political interference.
Their leadership also serves as an inspiration to future generations, particularly young women aspiring to take up roles in governance and public administration.
Their efforts require the support of both citizens and institutions. Strengthening independent oversight bodies, enforcing existing laws, and promoting a culture of accountability must be a collective effort.
The article is authored by Billy Mijungu, a regular commentator on trending issues and a 2022 senator aspirant for Migori County.
The views represented herein are his own and do not in any way represent those of TUKO.co.ke.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
