The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called upon Accountants, Lawyers and other professionals in the country to refrain from using their respective professional competencies to facilitate theft of public funds.
Speaking during the ICPAK Annual Governance & Ethics Conference in Mombasa, EACC Director of Ethics and Leadership FCPA John Lolkoloi revealed that no significant scandal involving theft of public funds has ever occurred in the country without the direct involvement of professionals, especially Accountants and Lawyers.
“EACC urges all professional bodies in the country to infuse integrity and accountability in their self-regulatory mechanisms to enhance corruption intolerance among Kenyan professionals,” Director Lolkoloi said.
While also noting the critical role of Accountants in the management of public funds, John Lolkonoi urged them to desist from processing fraudulent payments and instead report suspicious transactions to Authorities.
“Do not be conduits for proceeds of corruption or assist in the perpetuation of corrupt schemes,” said the EACC Ethics Director.
The prevalence of fake academic papers has also been a thorny issue in the Public Service. on this front, Lolkonoi noted that the EACC has since directed all public institutions in Kenya to authenticate academic and professional certificates of persons being considered for employment.
Over 2000 Public officers are alleged to be in possession of fake academic certificates so far and remedial actions are at different stages of law enforcement.
In addition to subjecting the academic cheats to criminal prosecution, EACC maintains that it will continue to file civil suits for recovery of all salaries and benefits earned on the basis of fake qualifications.
