The city of Kigali has unveiled measures to ensure adherence to public finance management guidelines. Norbert Kamana, the city director for general planning, said the move would make sure the city has a clean audit report. He observed that though non-compliance is low, it taints the city’s reputation. Kamana revealed that the city has put in place about four measures to enhance compliance. “We have included a compliance component in all the performance contracts of concerned staff members...It is one of the issues that are looked into during staff performance appraisals,” he said in an interview. He added that they were also carrying out capacity building, where staff members are trained and updated regularly on the current and new laws, recommendations and guidelines. The city has also recruited new experienced staff to boost the capacity of the team and guide those whose responsibilities are related to the public finance management issues. Kamana also pointed out that the city has a public finance management committee that meets (at the City level) to review all public finance management related issues every month.Also, those who contravene the law are penalised according to rules and regulations.Kamana said the city targets 100 per cent compliance to public finance management across all the districts in the short term. The City of Kigali is made up of three districts, Gasabo, Nyarugenge and Kicukiro. Kamana did not reveal the districts that are flouting guidelines or how much money has been lost as a result.Non-compliance to public finance management is one of the challenges outlined in the city’s current five-year plan. The City of Kigali Mayor, Fidele Ndayisaba, faulted some few corrupt elements for the small gaps in compliance. He warned that the corrupt would be dealt with accordingly, adding that the city does not entertain graft.
