US Embassy pledges support to EACC over corruption

The US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec on Thursday, 21 August 2014, paid the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Mr. Mumo Matemu a courtesy call during which various issues on the fight against corruption were discussed.

Mr. Matemu asked the US Embassy to organise a meeting with American investors with the view of sensitising them on integrity and business ethics issues, and code of conduct. This is based on the anticipated increase in American investment in Kenya following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent visit to the US.

Mr. Godec promised to facilitate such meeting which they agreed is critical given the important role the private sector ought to play in the fight against corruption.

The British High Commission has agreed to organize similar meetings with the Commission.

During the meeting attended by among other the EACC Vice chairperson Irene Keino, the organisation’s chief executive officer Halakhe Waqo, his deputy Michael Mubea, and US Embassy Economic Officer David Renz, it was agreed that the anti-graft body needs a forensic laboratory to expedite investigations into corruption in Kenya.

It was noted that the forensic laboratory will help in evidence analysis and may even be useful to other agencies in Kenya and elsewhere.

The Ambassador promised to look into the request as a way of enhancing EACC’s capacity to deal with graft as part of the embassy’s continued good working relationship.

Mr. Mumo also noted that there is need to enhance undercover investigations into corruption.

Although the EACC possesses the capacity to undertake undercover investigations, he noted that there is need to enhance its capacity through specialised training and equipment.

He noted that even though the Commission has numerous challenges, its constitutional backing and political goodwill means it has the capacity to deal with corruption at all levels.

He said the EACC has signed memoranda of understanding with, among others, the Kenya Revenue Authority, Financial Reporting Centre, and County Government of Nairobi as a way of enhancing partnerships with key stakeholders in the war against graft.

Such MOUs, he said, demonstrate the willingness of other agencies to battle corruption in Kenya. Mr. Mumo, however, warned that prosecuting people accused of corruption is often replete with challenges but promised that the commission will not relent in its commitment to eradication of the vice.

The fight against corruption also involves education, awareness, putting in place prevention programmes and enforcement and the commission uses a multi-pronged approach in the execution of its mandate.

The US Ambassador on his part said his government, through agencies like USAID, was ready to offer assistance to promote good governance. These include enhancing capacity through specialized trainings, benchmarking and exchange programs among others.