The Treasury has given national and county governments a firm deadline of February 15 to provide details of all the bank accounts they operate. The move is part of a broader effort to consolidate government finances and ensure efficient use of public funds.
Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo has directed all accounting officers, county finance executives, and other public entities to submit this information without delay.
In a memo dated February 2, Dr Kiptoo noted: “As you are aware, the Cabinet approved the implementation of the Treasury Single Account system of government banking arrangements. The purpose of this communication, therefore, is to request you to submit information on all bank accounts held by yourselves by February 15, 2026.”
The Treasury Single Account (TSA) is designed to bring all government bank accounts under a single, unified framework. This system allows the government to consolidate funds, monitor balances, and ensure optimal use of public resources. While the Cabinet approved the implementation in January 2024, the TSA concept was first proposed nearly ten years ago to reduce public resource leakages and improve cash management.
Despite promises to establish the TSA in budget statements since 2016, adoption had been slow due to the extensive legal and regulatory processes required.
Dr Kiptoo clarified that the directive applies to all national government ministries, departments, agencies, State corporations, semi-autonomous bodies, public funds, projects, and county governments, including their entities.
The move aligns with the Public Finance Management Act. Section 28 (2) requires the National Treasury to establish a single account into which all revenues collected by national government entities are deposited and from which all payments on their behalf are made.
Likewise, section 119 (2) mandates that county treasuries establish a TSA at the Central Bank of Kenya or a lender approved by the county treasury to manage all payments and receipts.
By collecting detailed account information, the Treasury aims to fully implement the TSA system, tighten oversight, and prevent misuse of public resources.
This step marks a critical phase in the government’s efforts to enhance financial accountability and manage public funds more effectively.
