DODOMA: THE Controller and Auditor General (CAG) has expanded audit coverage by 58 per cent in four years, intensifying oversight of public funds and major strategic projects while introducing modern forensic technology to curb misuse of resources.
National Audit Office (NAO) records show audit assignments rose from 1,098 in the 2021 financial year to 1,730 in 2024/25, marking a significant increase in scrutiny of government institutions and development programmes.
Speaking yesterday in Dodoma at the NAO Workers’ Council meeting, Controller and Auditor General, Mr Charles Kichere, said the office has continued to execute its constitutional mandate of auditing government accounts, including those of public institutions, Parliament and the Judiciary, without backlog.
“Since the launch of the Workers’ Council in 2023/24, audit coverage has expanded considerably. We have increased the number of entities audited and issued our reports on time in accordance with the law,” he said.
Mr Kichere announced the establishment of a Forensic Audit Laboratory to process digital and documentary evidence of financial misconduct for court use.
“This lab analyses systemgenerated data to detect misuse of public funds, public resources and embezzlement,” he said.
The office has also set up a Materials Laboratory to strengthen technical audits of infrastructure projects such as roads, water schemes and other development works to ensure value for money.
NAO has further rolled out an Audit Data Lab System and upgraded its audit management platforms to improve efficiency and follow-up of audit queries and recommendations.
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Opening the meeting on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Minister Mr Laurent Deogratius Luswetula commended the CAG’s Office for consistently submitting audit reports to President Samia Suluhu Hassan on time and in line with constitutional requirements.
“This strengthens accountability, transparency and sound management of public resources,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the sixth phase government will continue supporting the office through improved infrastructure, working tools and allocation of adequate resources to enable it to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Mr Kichere said NAO has recently audited key strategic projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, rural electrification initiatives under REA, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), major water projects and the Busisi Bugongo Bridge.
The office has also intensified real-time audits of large development projects and expanded performance audits of government digital systems to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
To reinforce institutional independence, NAO has constructed office buildings and residences in Katavi, Songwe and Dodoma regions, with similar projects underway in Ruvuma and Mwanza.
“The expanded audit scope and adoption of modern technology underscore the government’s broader push to tighten financial oversight and safeguard public resources in the country’s development drive,” he said.