Insurance Fund Managers Trained On Anti-Corruption Prevention
05:02:2021: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has concluded a sensitization programme for Corruption Prevention Committee members of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). The exercise, which took place between 3rd – 5th February 2021, was officially opened by the EACC Chairman, Archbishop (Rtd.) Eliud Wabukala. The Chair thanked NHIF for planning the event amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. He lauded the Fund’s commitment to creating an ethical work environment. The Chairman expressed his belief in applying corruption prevention measures and entrenching of a culture of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, “especially during this covid-19 pandemic period when the country is grappling with its effects”. He appreciated the efforts of NHIF towards realizing universal health coverage. Further, he noted the Fund’s critical role in providing “affordable, accessible, sustainable and quality health insurance through strategic resource pooling and healthcare purchasing, in collaboration with other stakeholders”. The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Kamunyo, undertook to ensure quality service delivery. Areas identified as a challenge in the management of the Fund include: Bribery – generally involved officers who want bribes to issue cards, process payment certificates or update records. Collusion – between claims officers and customers to lodge fictitious claims and gain illegal benefits. Political interference – influencing premium exemptions to favour cronies in private businesses. Premium revenue fraud – this relates to issues of undervaluation or under declaration of premiums. It also covers issues regarding irregular allocation of payment certificates and NHIF cards. Embezzlement – which is perpetuated through illegal diversion of public funds and misuse of the organization’s assets and property, including vehicles. Chairman Wabukala committed EACC’s support to enhance NHIF capacity to prevent unethical practices through adoption of stronger internal controls, automation of processes, risk management and strengthening of the integrity framework. These, he said, would increase efficiency and help seal all corruption loopholes. He challenged the Corruption Prevention Committee (CPC) members to take their role seriously in order to shape attitudes and behaviour in the fight against corruption within the Fund. He further urged them to uphold integrity, accountability and transparency in service delivery. “The main aim of the training is to strengthen and continuously mainstream professional ethics and develop a positive attitude aimed at combating corruption within your institution as well as the Kenyan society at large,” said the Chairman. He urged the Fund to support the fight against graft, highlighting some of the Commission’s achievements, in the past five years. These include: the concluded investigations into 824 corruption and related cases; in collaboration with the DPP, convictions in 153 cases out of 244 corruption ones finalized in various courts; the recovery of corruptly acquired assets worth about Kshs. 19.9 billion, and disruption of a possible loss of public funds worth about Kshs. 96 billion in the last 10 years. “In essence, the average annual loss averted is approximately Kshs. 9.6 Billion since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010,” he said.
KeNHA Procurement and Finance Officers Trained on Corruption Prevention
02:02:2021: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is conducting the second phase of its corruption prevention training for officers of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The training focuses on corruption prevention strategies that can enhance the officers’ ability to identify corruption loopholes and mechanisms of sealing them in their organisation. Its technical areas include: Understanding corruption and unethical practices. Anti-corruption legal framework and emerging jurisprudence in graft fight. Promotion of transparency and accountability in project management. Corruption prevention tools and strategies. Fostering an organisational culture that promotes ethics, integrity and good governance, and Prevention of graft through corruption risk assessment. The training’s main aim is to develop officers in government agencies as champions of integrity. It is being delivered through the Commission’s Education Training and Public Awareness department and will also enable the officers to establish Corruption Prevention Committees. The Commission continues to exercise its preventive mandate through continuous training and awareness creation through public education and setting up of standards for public officers as guided by various legislations. The training, which is being conducted at Naivasha’s Sawela Lodge, ends on 4th February 2021.
Turkey Commits To Support War on Graft
17:12:2020: Turkey has offered to support Kenya’s efforts to fight corruption. Its ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Ahmet Cemil Miroğlu, gave this assurance while handing over video production equipment donated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) to EACC’s Education, Training and Public Awareness department. The equipment will be used in producing audiovisual content that will help re-engineer the quality of corruption awareness messages. The donation, which he referred to as a gesture aimed at strengthening the two countries’ friendship, will enhance EACC’s corruption prevention efforts through public education. Commission Chairman Archbishop (Rtd.) Eliud Wabukala accepted the donation and noted the welcome gesture that will deepen collaboration and partnership between Turkey and Kenya through governance and accountability institutions as both seek to tackle the challenge of corruption. The equipment, he said, will also strengthen EACC’s corruption prevention efforts through the development and production of programmes to be used in education, training and public awareness. This, he said, will enhance awareness among private and public institutions and the general public, on the ills of corruption and unethical conduct. The Chair expressed confidence in his staff, whom he said have the requisite technical skills to operate the high-end media equipment. The Commissions’ vice-chair Sophia Lepuchirit thanked the Turkish government for the donation worth over Ksh. 3million. “The equipment,” she said, “will be utilized in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of our mandate to the people of Kenya.”
Facing Up To Truth in Public Service
16:12:2020: The Criticality of Truth and Transparency in Public Service was the theme of the just concluded symposium organised by the National Integrity Academy (NIAca), the training arm of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) at the Kenya School of Government’s Kabete campus. The symposium was officially opened by EACC’s Deputy CEO Mr. Abdi Mohamud who accompanied the chief guest Commissioner Rose Mghoi in presiding over the ceremony on behalf of the chairperson, Archbishop (Rtd.) Eliud Wabukala. Commissioner Mghoi emphasized the need to uphold integrity, noting that the training – in diverse areas in anti-corruption, ethics and integrity – was an enabling process to help build integrity and improve systems in public institutions. Auditor General Ms Nancy Gathungu, who spoke on Building Trust in Audit Systems, expressed the need for establishing trustworthy audit systems in public service. “Working collectively,” she said, “we can bring about change that the citizens are longing for in terms of sustainable service delivery and development.” She called for dialogue and transparency in audits to improve systems and processes, noting that auditors must be held accountable. “Constructive meaningful and effective dialogue with stakeholders will enable audit to improve the public sector,” she said. Regarding public resources, she was concerned at what she referred to as wastage, mismanagement or misuse, and called for “audits that are fact-based, objective and impartial in order to promote good governance processes, controls and management of public resources”. During the symposium, NIAca awarded Integrity Assurance Officers (IAO) certificates to 220 trainees. The training included an experience-sharing session during which different agencies explained how their institutions were dealing with the corruption menace. Kenya Ports Authority, for instance, said it had established channels of reporting corruption and unethical behaviour such as provision of anti-corruption reporting boxes, webmail and anti-corruption hotlines. The authority challenged the attendees to be watchmen of each other, adding that fighting corruption was not only good governance but also self-defence. NIAca head Dr. Purity Gitonga challenged participants to uphold integrity by doing the right thing. “Never shy from taking up a challenge as long as you’re talking a step in the right direction,” she said, adding: “Integrity is not a walk in the park.” In his closing remarks, Commissioner Dr. Dabar Maalim said EACC was committed to continuous improvement of public service through education training and public awareness. As an example, he cited the Commission’s short-term prevention strategies such as intelligence sharing with peer agencies as a corruption disruption mechanism. This, he said, was just one among many other strategies in an effort to combat corruption and unethical practices in the public sector.
KLIF Launches Anti-Corruption Week in Kiambu County
02:12:2020: The Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF) has launched a weeklong series of awareness and sensitization activities in Kiambu, Nandi and Nyamira Counties, which will culminate in the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day on 9th December 2020. The activities include training programmes for Kiambu Interfaith Council, County Assembly Members and staff, County Executive Committee and Chief Officers, County Directors and sub-county wards, and public officers from the national government. Also scheduled are outreach programmes targeting all of Kiambu’s sub-counties, and a final public baraza on the 9th of December. KLIF, a grouping of state and non-state actors for a unified and integrated fight against corruption, is domiciled under the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC). The Forum flagged off the commemoration at Kiambu County Headquarters where EACC Chairman Archbishop (Rtd.) Eliud Wabukalaexplained that the three counties were chosen to as a demonstration of EACC’s commitment to working with county governments in the graft war and promotion of good governance. He challenged everyone to actively join in the fight against corruption, which he noted has derailed the prosperity of the country. “It is noteworthy that all of us are united in dealing with the challenge of corruption, which has continued to derail our social, economic and political prosperity,” he said. The launch of the anti-corruption activities, he stated, aims to raise public awareness of the evils and effects of corruption on people’s lives and their role in the fight against corruption. “To empower the general public to demand effective and efficient corruption free services in the national and county government; and to rally the national and county governments in the fight against corruption among others, is what these activities aim to achieve,” the Chair added. Referring to the theme for this year’s commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day — Recover with Integrity” — the Chair urged the County to put measures in place to mitigate the risks that have emerged – including mismanagement of public resources and corruption in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. “As we all know, corruption at times thrives in times of crisis and the ongoing global pandemic has not been an exception,” he said. He warned against embezzlement of public resources, noting that the Commission is vigilant and taking measures to deal with the challenges of the pandemic, which include: Undertaking inquiries into reported incidents of corruption and unethical conduct, by holding to account those found culpable for embezzlement and abuse of resources intended for mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Heightened gathering and sharing of information with relevant stakeholders to facilitate proactive disruption of corruption networks. Monitoring utilization of public funds designated for containment of COVID-19. Offering advisories to procuring entities to comply with relevant laws. He pointed out that the Commission has issued a specific advisory to county governments, ministries, departments and agencies on procurement of supplies and equipment related to, among others, mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EACC Chairman urged everyone to embrace integrity and ethical conduct as the cornerstones to recovery from the pandemic. “Corruption is a matter of the heart,” he said, “it is the inside where the evil of corruption comes from. Sanitize from the inside”. Speaking during the flagging off ceremony, Kiambu County Assembly Speaker Stephen Ndichu, thanked the Commission for choosing the County as the national host of the International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration activities. He urged everyone to support EACC in the fight against corruption, noting that “corruption is a spirit and as such it should be fought in the spiritual realms”. Governor James Nyoro pledged his county’s support in the fight against graft. He specifically thanked the Commission for carrying out a Corruption Risk Assessment in 2018, and noted that the county is implementing the recommendations arising from that exercise. He also stressed on the need for holding people to account in the management of public resources. “We must hold each other to account. At the end of this week we want to say, yes, it can be done,” he said. IACD Background The International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is commemorated in recognition of the devastating effects of corruption in the society. The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) under Articles 5, 12 & 13 provides for involvement of public, private, civil society among other actors in the fight against corruption and expects state parties to mainstream these through legislation, policies and other formal structured arrangements. Kenya was the first country to sign the Convention in 2003 in Merida, Mexico. The aspiration of the Convention is for everyone to work together to enhance integrity in various sectors and institutions because corruption transcends all without exception and no single entity can eradicate it alone.
Nyamira, Nandi Systems Review Kicks Off
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission(EACC) has embarked on Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) exercises in Nyamira and Nandi counties. The assessments look into systems, practices and procedures of both county executive and assembly to identify corruption loopholes and recommends ways to seal them. Nyamira CRA was officially launched by EACC’s Commissioner Rose Mghoi, who was accompanied by a team of officers from the prevention department, set to carry out the review for the next three weeks. She noted that corruption has been a main obstacle in achieving the country’s development goals. She urged the county to take the review exercise seriously and to prioritize corruption prevention as a key driver in achievement of their goals. “Corrupt practices are likely to dampen optimism brought about by the setting up of county governments, but strong robust systems and procedures of work can ensure there is transparency and efficiency in service delivery,’’ she added. “Corruption is a global epidemic; we have so much we are losing,’” she noted. Commissioner Mghoi urged county officials to support the exercise to enable the counties to streamline their services to the public. In a similar launch in Nandi county, Commissioner Dr. Dabar Maalim announced that a team of corruption prevention experts from EACC will conduct formal and informal interviews with county government and county assembly officers. They will analyse reports, policy documents, contracts, operations circulars, complaint letters and accountable documents, as well as carry out spot checks on service delivery areas. The 17-day exercise is one of the build-up activities towards the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day that will be celebrated on 9th December. At the end of the exercise, an action plan will be signed by EACC, the Governor and the Speaker of the County Assembly. “Systems are created to uphold integrity and ethical behaviour,” Commissioner Maalim said. Governor Stephen Sang pledged the county’s support adding that the exercise was timely in strengthening the county systems and a corruption prevention strategy. “Partnership and joint efforts between the EACC and the County Government is crucial in corruption prevention,” he noted. The Governor lauded the Corruption Risk Assessment as a road-map to improve programs and processes leading to efficient service delivery as well greater access to resources for the public. He urged the county management to support the exercise and take the opportunity to consult EACC on how to improve systems and seal corruption loopholes.
Commission Hosts Defence Team on a Study Visit
27:11:2020: Course participants at the National Defence College in Nairobi took time off this afternoon for a study tour of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. The tour follows the Presidential declaration of corruption as a threat to national security. The team was hosted by Ms. Lucy Kinuthia, Director, Ethics and Leadership, and other Directors. The delegation, drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces, various government Ministries Departments and Agencies(MDA’s) and international military personnel, was led by Col. P. S. Chelimo, the College Coordinator. Ms. Kinuthia, reading remarks on behalf of the Commission’s CEO, Mr. Twalib Mbarak, said that in order for the country to develop, corruption must be tackled because it inhibits economic growth and affects business operations, employment and investments. “One of the challenges identified under the political pillar of Kenya’s Vision 2030, and which the Commission has played a lead role in tackling, is persistent corruption and weak governance,” she said. She pointed out that the newly launched National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy underscores the importance of “our national values and ethics as one of the cornerstones of the country’s overall development through a value-based system”. Col. Chelimo said that the fight against corruption is important to national security, adding that the National Defence College recognizes the role that EACC plays in national security.
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Switzerland Offers a Helping Hand in Graft Purge
24:11:2020: The Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya, H.E. Mr. Valentin Zellweger, paid a courtesy call on EACC today and was hosted by the Commission Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Sophia Lepuchirit and the CEO Mr. Twalib Mbarak. Also present at the meeting were Commissioner Dr. Dabar Abdi Maalim, Commissioner Rose Mghoi M. Macharia and several Directors. Ms. Sophia Lepuchirit recognized EACC’s working relationship with the Swiss Government, through its Embassy in Kenya, and appreciated the support and partnership accorded to the Commission. The EACC Vice-Chairperson added that the visit accorded the Commission and the Embassy of Switzerland in Kenya an opportunity to deepen collaboration and partnership in fighting corruption and promoting good governance. H.E. Mr. Valentin Zellweger stated that it had been his wish to meet with EACC because fighting corruption is an important agenda for the Swiss Government. He also said that he was looking forward to partnering with the Commission. The EACC CEO said that the Swiss Government, through its Embassy, has been a close ally of the Commission in supporting the fight against corruption and advocating for the promotion of ethics and integrity in public service. Further, Mr. Twalib Mbarak said that, through cooperation with the Swiss Embassy, EACC had made great strides in investigating high profile cases, tracing and preserving corruptly acquired assets and corruption prevention. The Commission’s Ag. Director – Field Services, Mr. Jackson Mue, made a short presentation on the status of the fight against corruption in Kenya and outlined the EACC’s key strategies for fighting graft. The Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya pledged his Government’s support in fighting corruption in Kenya.
Nairobi, Kiambu Boda Boda Officials Sensitized on Graft
05:11:2020: The Commission has concluded a two-day sensitization program for Boda Boda officials drawn from Nairobi and Kiambu counties, held at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in Nairobi, from 3rd to 4th November, 2020. The program which was officially opened by EACC’s Commissioner Dr. Dabaar Maalim brought together officers from the National Police Service-Traffic Department and Boda Boda Association of Kenya. The exercise is part of Commissions’ corruption preventive programs aimed at equipping Boda Boda operators with the necessary skills and competencies to help them fight corruption and unethical practices, in a sector that employs more than 1.2 Million youths. Commissioner Dr. Dabaar urged boda boda operators to always follow the rule of law and endeavor to conduct their trade with utmost integrity. EACC’s Deputy Director- Education Training and Public Awareness, Mr. Gilbert Lukhoba, urged the operators to support the war on graft.