The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has called on the government to undertake an urgent, independent and transparent audit on the usage of all monies raised towards Covid-19.
In a statement sent to newsrooms on Tuesday, KEPSA said this audit must include money raised under the aegis of the KEPSA-supported Covid-19 Fund Board with a view to ensuring all those found culpable of misuse are brought to book.
Through the statement, the organization also appealed to its members in all sectors to undertake an urgent and rigorous self-examinations in order to remove any weaknesses that allow malpractices leading to corruption.
“These self-examinations should, include expelling from their memberships any companies or individuals found to be involved in the embezzlement of Covid-19 funds,” read part of the statement.
The institution in the statement signed by the KEPSA CEO, Carole Karuga also reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of ethical business practices in order to help combat corruption and bribery.
KEPSA promised that it will continue the rollout of the Code of Ethics for Business under the UN Global Compact and encouraged its 1000 business members’ organisations to not only sign, but also adopt a self-regulatory framework for their members.
The statement noted that it will intensify training among its members on business ethics and integrity and continue to push and support the digitization of government services as a key effort in reducing corruption as well as enhancing efficient service delivery to Kenyans.
The KEPSA statement comes in the wake of widespread public concern about and condemnation of alleged corruption in the healthcare supply chains involved in the supply of medicine and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the fight against the pandemic.
The Health Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe while appearing before the Health Committee on Monday to answer queries following an expose on the Covid-19 Funds said that the ministry has only received 15 percent of the Covid-19 funds.
The Committee led by the Murang’a Women Representative, Sabina Chege also sought to understand how the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has spent the money for the procurement of medical equipment.
By Alice Gworo
