The potential impact of public accounts committee (PAC) and public investments committee (PIC) on national accountability

Abstract

This study sought to determine what Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Public Investments Committee (PIC) are supposed to do, what they have done, what effect the changes on the Standing Orders have on the operations of PAC and PIC, and what problems have affected the activities of PAC and PIC. In order to achieve the objectives both primary and secondary data were used. For the primary data questionnaires were dropped and picked up later from the respondents and a few of them had personal interviews. Three groups of respondents were identified i.e. Political parties, Foreign embassies and Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs). Secondary data was collected from the annual reports of the Controller and Auditor- General and the Standing Orders. The analyses of the gathered data revealed that the committees of the House are supposed to enhance accountability and transparency by performing a controlling function. It was however, revealed that this role has not been met so far as accountability is still low. Furthermore, the changes on the Standing Orders are expected to reduce the quality of performance by the two committees of the House even more. The problems that were identified include lack of political will and support from the government, ambiguous laws, executive interference and bribery to some committee members by unscripulous individuals.