The Principal Secretary for Public Investments and Assets Management (SDPIAM), Mr. Cyrell Wagunda has welcomed the decision by the Cabinet to audit all Government-owned buildings saying the process shall help reduce avoidable rental expenditure, improve the use of existing buildings, and a practical programme for rehabilitation, consolidation and future investment.

He noted that, the Cabinet upheld that many Government buildings remain underutilized or require rehabilitation, while expenditure on privately leased accommodation continues to rise thereby suspended any more leasing of office spaces pending the comprehensive audit.

The PS made the remarks today at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete when he joined the Deputy Head of Public Service Mr. Amos Gathecha for a high-level meeting with the National Government Administrative Officers - NGAOS .

The officers comprising the Regional Commissioners, County Commissioners, Secretaries and Directors of Administration from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been earmarked to coordinate the process which is being steered by an Inter-Agency Taskforce alongside SDPIAM through the Department of National Assets and Liabilities (NALM).

The PS underscored that the Government offices must provide safe, functional and productive working environments while representing value for money thus there’s need to establish what the State owns, where the facilities are situated, their condition and whether available space is being used efficiently.

“This directive is an opportunity to establish a reliable Government-wide position and improve accommodation decisions. The objective is to ensure that existing Government space is used first, buildings are properly maintained and future leasing, rehabilitation, construction and relocation decisions are based on verified information,” said the PS.

He reiterated that SDPIAM, State Department for Public Works, and the National Treasury will work collaboratively to strengthen the management of Government office accommodation.

This joint effort brings together technical expertise on building measurements, condition assessments, space standards, rehabilitation and leased accommodation, alongside coordinated asset registration, utilization analysis, policy development and consolidated reporting.

He implored the NGAOs to actively support the Taskforce and participating institutions in coordinating data collection, verification and implementation across the country.

On his part, the Deputy Head of Public Services exuded confidence in NGAOs saying they were previously instrumental in the successful identification and registration of farmers across the country.