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President Uhuru Kenyatta  Friday appointed former Deloitte chief executive Sammy Onyango to chair the selection panel for appointment of the next Auditor General, following Edward Ouko’s exit.

The veteran auditor, who served at the global accounting firm for more than 38 years, will chair the panel ahead of interviews of candidates slated to begin next week.

Other members of the selection panel are Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto, Bernard Ndungu, Titus Ndambuki, Rose Mwaura, Loise Ruhiu and Masinde Joy Brenda.

Those interested in the Auditor General’s post, which fell vacant after the exit of Ouko whose term lapsed last month, had until September 9 to submit their applications.

According to Article 229 of the Constitution, the President should nominate, and with the approval of the National Assembly, appoint the Auditor General.

To qualify to be the Auditor General, a person should have extensive knowledge of public finance or at least 10 years experience in auditing or public finance management.

The Auditor General will hold the office, subject to Article 251, for a term of eight years and is not eligible for re-appointment.

As part of his or her job, the AG shall within every six months after the end of each financial year audit and report, in respect of that financial year, the accounts of the National and county governments.

This will include accounts of all funds and authorities of the National and county governments, the accounts of all courts and of every commission and every independent office set up by the Constitution.

Additionally, he will scrutinise the accounts of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the county Assemblies, including those of political parties that receive funding from the exchequer.

The Auditor General will also ensure audit of public debt (how much the government owes to lenders) and accounts of any other entity that legislation requires him to audit.