Kenyans embezzling public funds should be encouraged to invest their loot in the country instead of stashing it abroad, according to Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu.
She said illicit financial flows, if allowed to be invested locally, could lead to more development in countries.
The World Bank estimates that up to $2.6bn (£2.1bn) is stashed in offshore bank accounts by Kenya’s ruling elite who enriched themselves from public funds, according to research released in 2020.
Ms Gathungu told a meeting in Nairobi:
She added that it was an approach being considered by auditor-generals in the region.
The comments drew varied reactions on social media. Some thought the auditor-general was being pragmatic, while others described it a surrender in efforts to streamline use of public funds.
The auditor-general is an independent constitutional office that monitors use and management of public resources in Kenya.