Mr Ouko was reflecting on his visit to Tynwald ahead of his engagement as guest speaker at the Isle of Man Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) dinner to mark Commonwealth Day.

Mr Ouko had travelled from London after attending a council meeting of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) of which he and the Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK, are Fellows.

Mr Ouko took the opportunity of his visit to meet with Members of Tynwald’s Public Accounts Committee and take a tour of the Legislative Buildings. He said: ‘It has been interesting to learn something of the long tradition – and size – of Tynwald. This is in sharp contrast to the Parliament of Kenya, which is still a work in progress and where there are some 400 representatives. In Tynwald, the individuality of Members is pronounced but in a big parliament that can be lost and the level of debate compromised.

‘I believe we can draw on the idea that “small is good”, and this can help us to re-focus. Our parliament is about volume and quantity, but what I have observed on my visit to the Isle of Man is that while Tynwald may be small in numbers, it’s the quality that makes it great.’

Turning to financial oversight Mr Ouko said that it was vital that public accountability was ‘well anchored’ in a parliament’s constitution, sustainably funded and supported politically. Referring to the Republic of Kenya’s 2010 ‘pragmatic’ constitution he said: ‘Now it’s a question of implementation, ensuring accountability and transparency become our bedrock.

‘Those of us engaged in public financial oversight must recognise it’s a shared endeavour; it’s important that we carry the people with us, that our work resonates with the general public and meets their expectations…and those expectations are growing. Public accountability is more important than ever and is very much on the UN’s sustainable development agenda.

‘Today the role of Auditor-General has to stretch its frontiers. Financial oversight is no longer just about how much public money is being spent, it’s also about the impact of that spending - the ethical, social and moral implications - so it’s crucial that there are no outcomes which could negate the original good intentions.’

The chairman of the Isle of Man Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK, said: ‘It has been a privilege to host Eddie on a brief visit to the Isle of Man.  The role of Auditor-General is not one we have on the Isle of Man, but thanks to his visit, we have seen what can be done.  The role is far from easy in Kenya – it is a role that requires integrity and bravery, qualities which are clear in their Auditor-General.

‘The session with the Public Accounts Committee gave a detailed insight into the methods and working practises of the Auditor-General’s Office which have transformed financial scrutiny in that country.

‘We were also pleased to hear some of his experiences at the Commonwealth Day dinner that evening, where he addressed Tynwald Members and guests. I am delighted that Tynwald has made an impact on Eddie Ouko and think that in him the Island has yet another friend.’

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Mr Ouko is pictured with, front row, Tynwald Public Accounts Committee Members Mr Tim Crookall MLC, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK (chairman), Mr Michael Coleman MLC and Mr Rob Callister MHK. Back row: Mr David Cretney MLC and Mrs Jane Poole-Wilson MLC. Also pictured are Stephen Hind, director of Auditor Advisory, Isle of Man Treasury and PAC clerk Mrs Joann Corkish. Photo Paul Dougherty, Tynwald Seneschal

For further information contact:
Clerk of Tynwald’s Office
Telephone: 01624 685500
Email: enquiries@tynwald.org            
Website: www.tynwald.org.im