Financial Crime World

Kenya Launches National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy to Tackle Rampant Corruption

Introduction

In a bid to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability in public office, the Kenyan government has launched the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy. The policy aims to provide a comprehensive framework for promoting ethical conduct and preventing corruption among public officers.

Background

Corruption remains a major challenge in Kenya, with Transparency International ranking the country among the most corrupt nations globally. The new policy comes at a time when the country needs strong measures to tackle the problem.

Key Provisions of the Policy

  • Promoting Accountability: The policy sets out clear standards of conduct and ethics for public officers, including the requirement for financial declarations and strict adherence to the Public Officer Ethics Act.
  • Establishment of Thematic Groups: Thematic groups will be established to monitor and coordinate anti-corruption efforts across various sectors.
  • Public Service Integrity Programme: A programme aimed at promoting ethical conduct in the public service will be implemented.
  • Public Complaints Standing Committee: A platform for citizens to report cases of corruption and ensure that complaints are investigated promptly and fairly.

Implementation

The launch of the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy is seen as a significant milestone in Kenya’s fight against corruption. The government has committed to implementing the policy and ensuring that it is enforced effectively.

Key Terms

  • Accountability: A system of internal and external checks and balances aimed at ensuring that public officers carry out their duties properly and are held responsible if they fail to do so.
  • Bribe: An inducement, whether monetary or non-monetary, by one person to another person who holds a public or private office with the intention to influence them to act or forego to act as required of them in their official capacity.
  • Code of Conduct and Ethics: A set of rules governing the behavior of public officers, aimed at promoting ethical conduct and preventing corruption.

Sources

  • Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice
  • Public Officer Ethics Act, 2003
  • Transparency International