Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has pledged to audit all government funds, loans, and contracts within 60 days of taking office if elected President in the August 2027 General Election. He made the pledge in his keynote address at Chatham House in London on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Kalonzo promised to tighten public financial controls and end the misuse of public resources. His proposed government would begin by publishing details of public funds, levies, securitised assets, and financial guarantees.
Kalonzo singled out approximately $2.6 billion in proceeds from the sale of shares in Safaricom and Kenya Pipeline, as well as $800 million committed to a digital system for the health scheme. He argued that public funds must be subject to independent oversight. Kalonzo declared, "Every fund and levy goes under the Controller of Budget. No more off-budget Kenya." He outlined the first phase of his proposed economic and governance programme, branded 'Rescue, Restore, Renew.'
The former Vice President said the proposed audit would form part of a broader effort to restore public confidence in government institutions, reduce waste, and address the country's mounting debt burden. He argued that Kenya's economic difficulties stem not only from public debt but also from a system in which government spending and contracts are shielded from adequate scrutiny. Kalonzo described the situation as a "disease" where the State borrows before it builds, spends where nobody can see, and sells what it should not.
Kalonzo cited figures in government documents, stating that Kenya's public debt stood at $100 billion as of June 2026, equivalent to 68.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). He claimed that interest payments consumed 43 cents of every shilling collected in ordinary revenue during the 2025/2026 financial year. The proportion rises above half when pension obligations are included. Development spending has declined from 27 per cent of ordinary revenue in 2016 to 12.4 per cent.
The Ukombozi Alliance leader criticised the government's reliance on domestic borrowing, arguing that interest payments on domestic debt alone were projected to exceed the entire education budget. Kalonzo pledged to publish a comprehensive debt register, including securitised and collateralised obligations, and present it to Parliament. He proposed legislation to bind future administrations to a fiscal consolidation path and reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.
Kalonzo renewed his criticism of recent government asset sales, particularly the disposal of a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom and the planned privatisation of Kenya Pipeline. He said his coalition had challenged the Safaricom transaction in court and welcomed a High Court ruling issued on September 15, 2026. The ruling found the sale unconstitutional due to inadequate public participation, concealment of material information, and arbitrary pricing.
Kalonzo identified the offices of the Auditor-General and the Controller of Budget as central to his proposed reforms. He promised to ensure the two offices receive adequate funding and require government agencies to respond publicly to adverse audit findings within 90 days. The proposed administration would publish a quarterly scorecard tracking progress on public debt, interest payments, development spending, and other key indicators.
Key points
- Kalonzo pledges to audit government funds within 60 days if elected President.
- He proposes to publish a comprehensive debt register and present it to Parliament.
- Kalonzo criticises recent government asset sales, including the disposal of a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom.
