Margaret Nyakango's Biography: Age, career, net worth, why she was arrested in Mombasa

Margaret Nyakang'o, the Controller of Budget (CoB), found herself amid controversy after she was arrested alongside 10 others on charges of conspiracy to defraud.

Nyakang'o first captured the nation's attention on March 7, 2023, when she revealed approving a colossal Ksh15 billion under duress. few days to the August polls.

This revelation, made before Parliament, raised eyebrows, especially considering the timing – a mere four days before the General Election. Nyakango disclosed that she was coerced into approving the transaction by senior government officials.

READ: Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango arrested in Mombasa

Margaret Nyakango's educational background

Born in 1959 in Nyamira County, Margaret Nyakang'o is an accomplished academician with an impressive educational background.

She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Liverpool, a Master of Business Administration with a Strategic Management option from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the same institution.

Furthermore, she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), a Certified Sacco Professional from Strathmore University, and a Certified Professional Coach Diploma holder from CDI Africa.

Margaret Nyakango's career

Nyakang'o's career journey reflects a wealth of experience in finance and administration.

Her professional path includes roles at the Controller and Auditor's General Office, Lake Basin Development Authority, Bob Morgan Services Limited, Harambee Sacco Society, Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology, and Mitun Business Consulting Limited.

Notably, she served as the Director of Finance and Administration at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) for a decade.

READ: Controller of Budget alleges coercion to approve Sh15B days to August 2022 polls

Margaret Nyakango appointed as Controller of Budget

Appointed as the Controller of Budget in December 2019, Nyakang'o's nomination by Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and subsequent vetting by Parliament marked a significant moment in her career.

Prior to this prestigious position, she spent a year as a lecturer in Public Sector Finance at KCA University.

Margaret Nyakango's net worth

During her vetting in 2019, Nyakang'o disclosed a net worth of Sh68 million, describing it as modest compared to other state officers.

She attributed the bulk of her wealth to the value of her house, having completed the repayment of her mortgage.

Nyakang'o's arrest and subsequent charges

Nyakang'o's arrest and subsequent charges, recommended by Deputy DPP Jacinya Nyamosi, involve conspiracy to defraud under Section 317 of the Penal Code.

The group is also accused of operating a Sacco without a license, forgery, and uttering a false document.

These legal troubles emerged just four years into Nyakang'o's tenure, raising questions about her integrity and management practices.