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Corruption Prevention Committee Guidelines Launched

In an effort to curb corruption in public entities, the government has launched new guidelines for the establishment and operationalization of Corruption Prevention Committees (CPCs).

Composition of CPCs

According to the guidelines, CPCs shall comprise:

  • A Chairperson, who is the Chief Executive Officer or equivalent
  • Members who are Heads of Sections
  • A Secretary who is a trained Integrity Assurance Officer

The committees will hold at least one meeting every quarter to deliberate on ethics, integrity, and anti-corruption matters. The meetings will be guided by procedures that include:

  • Discussing progress on the implementation of anti-corruption initiatives
  • Outcomes of prevention measures

Integrity Assurance Officers’ Key Role

Integrity Assurance Officers (IAOs) are responsible for providing technical support to CPCs. IAOs must be officers in middle-level management who are: + Honest + Incorruptible + Loyal + Ethical + Trustworthy

Their duties include:

  • Conducting bribery and corruption risk assessments
  • Developing risk mitigation plans
  • Implementing action plans to prevent corruption
  • Submitting quarterly reports to the Commission on Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes (EACC)

Capacity Building and Monitoring

As part of building capacity for CPCs and IAOs, the government will provide: + Training + Sensitization + Advisories to enable them effectively discharge their mandates

CPCs will also be required to monitor and evaluate anti-corruption activities in collaboration with EACC. The indicators will include: + Number of CPCs established and operational + Number of IAOs trained and appointed + Level of implementation of corruption prevention policies and codes of conduct

Sensitization and Reporting

The guidelines emphasize the importance of sensitizing employees and stakeholders on anti-corruption measures. Public entities are required to: + Facilitate CPC with resources to implement anti-corruption programs + Carry out staff sensitization on anti-corruption, ethics, and integrity + Embed the concept of CPCs in their organizational structure

In cases where suspected bribery is reported, public entities must report it to EACC within 24 hours. The guidelines also provide for anonymous reporting to EACC for protection of reporters or whistleblowers.

Implementation

Public entities are required to implement the guidelines within six months from their date of publication. The Commission on Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes (EACC) will monitor and evaluate the implementation of the guidelines.

The launch of these guidelines is a significant step towards curbing corruption in public entities and ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in Kenya.