By Kurian Musa
NJORO, KENYA — Egerton University has commenced the annual implementation review and financial audit of the RUFORUM-funded TAGDev 2.0 Project, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, prudent financial management and effective delivery of the programme.
The exercise began with an audit entry meeting held at the Vice-Chancellor’s Boardroom, bringing together University management, project officials, finance personnel and the external audit team.
Prof. George Muthaa, the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning, welcomed the audit team and assured them of the University’s cooperation throughout the exercise.
Prof. Muthaa said the entry meeting was important in establishing a conducive working environment for the audit while demonstrating the University Management’s support for accountability and transparency in externally funded projects.
The external audit team is led by Ms. Joy Nakiganda from Uganda.
Prof. Nancy Mungai, the TAGDev 2.0 Project Coordinator at Egerton University, said the exercise will examine the programme’s activities and financial management during the previous financial year.
“The audit is to look at the programme in the just concluded financial year,” said Prof. Mungai.
The meeting was also attended by Prof. George Owuor, Director of Research; Ms. Virginia Njuguna, TAGDev Programme Manager; Mr. Moturi Ndukanio, Deputy Finance Officer; and Ms. Getray Shijenje, the Accountant in charge of Research and Extension, alongside members of the project and audit teams.
The audit is expected to review financial records, project implementation processes and compliance with established funding and reporting requirements. It also provides an opportunity to assess progress, identify areas requiring improvement and strengthen systems for effective programme delivery.
TAGDev 2.0 is implemented under the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and seeks to strengthen the contribution of African universities to agricultural transformation and community development.
At Egerton University, the programme supports efforts to build the capacity of young people and strengthen entrepreneurship, agricultural innovation and community engagement.
The audit therefore goes beyond examining expenditure. It provides an important accountability mechanism for determining whether resources are being deployed efficiently and in line with the programme’s objectives.
Through the exercise, Egerton University and its partners are also seeking to strengthen institutional systems that support transparent management of donor-funded programmes while ensuring that TAGDev 2.0 delivers measurable impact to students, communities and other beneficiaries.
