By Francis Ayieko
What would life be like without accountants? Not many Kenyans pause to ask themselves this question, yet the economic chaos that would ensue in the absence of accountants is of unimaginable proportion. No one knows this truth better than Professor Ray Ball, a renowned scholar in accounting and financial economics. In a recent interview, Ball, Professor Emeritus in Accounting at the University of Chicago Booth Business School, described accounting as the premier measurement system, which has “fingers all the way through the economy”.
“Running an economy without accounting measures would be like flying blind. I can’t conceive of a modern economy existing or functioning the way it does without accounting measurements. I can’t imagine what the wreckage would be…,” he said.
Prof Ball, famous for pioneering the link between accounting information and stock prices, is right. Imagine waking up one morning to find that no one is keeping track of your salary, or your pay-slip deductions, contributions, and net pay are not correctly calculated. How about not being able to pay your rent because the accounting systems to verify the transactions have failed? Or, your monthly bills arrive with no clear breakdown. And imagine running your own business without the help of an accountant: how would you file taxes, reconcile sales, analyse expenses, or know whether you’re operating profitably?
On a national scale, accountants play a crucial role in maintaining economic stability and promoting growth. They work in companies that report profits or losses to shareholders, ensuring that financial statements are properly audited and transparent. They contribute to state corporations and public-sector entities, provided that public funds are used efficiently and transparently. They advise on tax policy, budget preparation, internal controls, risk assessment, debt management, and public financial management. For example, whenever the government prepares a national budget, accountants help build the financial models, assess the viability of expenditure programmes, estimate revenue, and prepare the audits of those accounts.
However, despite these crucial roles, when critical public discourses arise in Kenya regarding tax reform, budget allocations, public-sector borrowing, procurement efficiency, audit failures, or financial transparency, the distinct voice of Kenyan accountants is rarely heard. That clear, authoritative voice required to shape public debate is often missing. Instead of hearing from the technical experts who actually understand these issues, the loudest voices tend to be those of politicians.
While evidence shows that accountants in Kenya recognise their changing role and the increased demands on their competence, there is still little to show for it. A joint research study by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) was unequivocal that accountants in Kenya must develop a broader set of “softer” skills, including communication and influencing skill sets beyond technical proficiency.
That is where Op-Ed writing emerges as an essential vehicle for accountants to have their voices heard on matters of national importance that touch their profession, their clients, and the wider public.
What is an Op-Ed and why does it matter?
An Op-Ed (opposite the editorial) is a short (600-800 words), accessible (easily understood), evidence-based (well-researched) commentary on a timely and essential issue (something of public value) by someone who has an informed opinion (an expert). It appears in newspapers, magazines, or online media and is designed to influence public opinion, shape policy, or prompt action.
Professionals use Op-Eds to translate their specialist knowledge into language that matters to citizens, policymakers, and public interest groups. Though written by experts who are not necessarily in media or communications, Op-Eds employ simple, straightforward, direct, everyday, and jargon-free language that can be understood by general readers who are not members of the writer’s profession. It is your opinion supported by credible evidence and written for the general public. For an accountant, writing an Op-Ed can turn technical insight (“the tax bill change raises corporate tax from X to Y”) into a public argument (“this tax increase will reduce disposable income and slow job creation unless mitigated by targeted relief”).
Modern-day Op-Eds first appeared in the New York Times on September 21, 1970. The NYT editors intended Op-Ed articles to be written by a diverse array of elite experts on salient issues of the day to prompt civic discourse and learning among the general public, who are the primary target and consumers of mass media (newspapers, magazines, blogs) Op-Eds.
This is what the editor wrote on the debut day: “As the world has grown smaller, the nation more powerful, the problems besetting man infinitely more complex, the pressures more intense, the health of this democracy has increasingly depended on deeper public understanding of difficult issues. Through the new page opposite the Editorial Page that we inaugurate today, we hope that a contribution may be made toward stimulating new thought and provoking new discussion on public concerns.”
Fifty-five years later, that goal remains unchanged. Today, nearly every major print and online newspaper, including those in Kenya, publishes two to five opinion editorials, or Op-Eds, per day. They are written by experts from diverse professional backgrounds and are intended to stimulate debate among the general public. The array of Op-Ed writers comprises professionals, experts, scholars, ambassadors, company CEOs, MDs, heads of organisations, activists, heads of NGOs, politicians, government ministers, the clergy, educationists, students, etc.
Why accountants should seize the opportunity
Connector between complexity and clarity: Accounting topics are frequently buried in technical reports. For example, when the Finance Bill 2025 was debated, ICPAK submitted proposals to reduce the corporate tax rate from 30% to 28%, aligning Kenya more closely with global rates and enhancing the country’s competitiveness. An accountant writing an Op-Ed could unpack how that change might affect business investment, employment, and household living standards, making the debate accessible to everyday Kenyans.
Thought leadership and professional branding: When you publish a well-written opinion piece, you’re not just displaying your technical competence. You’re demonstrating an understanding of the broader socio-economic implications of your work. That positions you and your firm as trusted advisors, not just number-crunchers. It sets you apart as a thought leader, the go-to person in your field.
Public trust and accountability: When readers see accountants speaking out about the misuse of funds, audit weaknesses, or procurement risks, the profession demonstrates its public interest mandate. The ACCA/ICPAK research emphasised that “clarity in financial reporting and defining the audit function” remains a key challenge in Kenya’s public sector. An accountant’s Op-Ed can bridge the gap between complex report findings and citizen understanding.
Where accountants’ voices should have been louder
County government audits: When the Office of the Auditor-General issues a report showing expenditure irregularities in a county, an accountant-writer could explain the consequences for local service delivery – including roads, health, and schools – and suggest reforms.
Public-private partnership (PPP) risk: Kenya’s increasing use of PPPs is one of the top drivers of change for the public sector. Accountants could write about contract transparency, contingent liabilities, and how poor cost estimation can burden future taxpayers.
Digitisation of government financial systems: As public finances move online, ethics, cybersecurity, and internal-control risks increase. An Op-Ed could alert the public to dangers in treasury systems before a scandal erupts.
Tax reform and inflation: When tax rates increase or VAT changes, accountants can write accessible pieces explaining how these changes affect consumers, small business owners, and everyday households, thereby transforming abstract policy into lived reality.
Tips on how to get started
Choose a timely topic: Pay attention to the news, debates in Parliament, audit reports, and budget speeches.
Frame your argument: What’s the main point? Why does it matter to the public?
Use simple language: Avoid jargon. Use everyday examples (e.g., “this means your Sh700 monthly bus fare may go up”).
Call to action: What should the reader, the client, the business or the government do?
Seek feedback and training: ICPAK could offer short workshops on opinion writing, allowing members to write with peers for peer review.
Are Op-Eds worth the effort?
But you may be asking: Is all the effort you put into Op-Ed writing worth it? Can Op-Eds really shape opinion and change people’s minds? The short answer is “yes”.
First, Op-Ed pages are some of the most read and most influential sections of a newspaper. Second, a 2018 study by Yale University and the Cato Institute in the United States found that newspaper Op-Eds had a strong and lasting impact on people’s opinions. Approximately 65%-70% of the respondents stated that they were persuaded to change their minds by the arguments presented in the Op-Eds they read. Perhaps that is why in the US, lawmakers routinely circulate Op-Eds during legislative debate in efforts to persuade colleagues to their point of view.
Parting thoughts
In a world where influence is shaped by communication, not merely competence, Op-Ed writing is a strategic and potent tool for accountants. It enables them to move beyond spreadsheets to shape policy, public understanding, and the future of the profession.
For ICPAK members, the time to write is now. The tools are within reach. The topics are urgent. The public is waiting.
The writer is an Op-Ed and Thought Leadership Consultant at The OpEd Experts.
Email: [email protected]
