The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has urged professionals across Kenya to stop using their skills to facilitate corruption.
FCPA John Lolkoloi, the EACC Director of Ethics and Leadership, highlighted that many major scandals involving the misappropriation of public funds are often tied to professionals, particularly accountants and lawyers.
Speaking in Mombasa during the launch of the ICPAK Annual Governance & Ethics Conference, Lolkoloi encouraged attendees to leverage their expertise to promote the public good rather than engage in activities harmful to society.
He noted that various professions, including engineers, land valuers, surveyors, bankers, IT specialists, and procurement experts, are frequently implicated in corruption schemes.
“EACC calls on all professional bodies in the country to incorporate integrity and accountability into their self-regulatory frameworks to foster a culture of corruption intolerance among Kenyan professionals,” Lolkoloi stated.
He emphasized the essential role accountants play in managing public funds, urging them to reject fraudulent payments and report any suspicious transactions to the authorities.
“Do not become conduits for corrupt proceeds or aid in the continuation of corrupt practices,” he cautioned.
In addition, Lolkoloi addressed the issue of fake academic certificates in the public service, announcing that the EACC has mandated all public institutions to verify the academic and professional qualifications of candidates before hiring.
The commission is currently investigating over 2,000 public officers suspected of holding counterfeit certificates and plans to pursue civil suits to recover salaries and benefits earned under false pretenses.
The EACC’s proactive measures aim to enhance transparency and accountability within the public sector, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct among professionals in safeguarding the nation’s resources.
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