The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched a public outreach program in Murang’a ahead of International Anti-Corruption Day.
EACC officials will be traversing the county during a week-long public outreach program with the aim of sensitizing the public against corruption as well as getting concerns and reports from the public that the commission may use for investigations.
Speaking during the launch of the sensitization at Murang’a county headquarters, the Commission’s Preventive Service Director Vincent Okongo, said that in addition to the public sensitization, the commission will be holding a series of training sessions with various departments of county government.
The commission will then release a report ranking both national government and county government entities on levels of corruption as part of evaluating the progress they have made over the last ten years in the fight against corruption.
“EACC has investigated over 635 cases of corruption, 251 of which have been finalized,” he said.
“The commission has also recovered money and assets worth over Sh23.7 billion and is currently pursuing assets worth Sh40 billion,” he added.
The world anti-corruption day will be celebrated on December 9 under the theme, “United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) at 20, uniting the world against corruption,” which underscores the need for collaboration and partnerships at all levels considering that corruption knows no borders.
On his part, Murang’a governor, Irungu Kangata said that the county was supportive of the commission’s activities in the county.
Kang’ata cautioned county government officials against corruption, noting that corruption makes the society unequal as only those who have power get access to services.
“The county shall support EACC with documents and opening of processes and any officer found to be corrupt will have to bear their own cross,” he said.
He said that the county has opened door to auditors, adding that tendering is now done through open policy to eliminate corruptions.
The governor noted that the ongoing automation of services by the county government has been a great support in the fight against corruption in the county.
“At first the county was collecting Sh80,000 daily and now collects Sh400,000 per day,” he said.
The governor noted that the county has also started making payments such as those of the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) and Community Health Promoters (CHPs) via mobile services and banks to enhance accountability.
By Purity Mugo and Anita Omwenga
