The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has launched corruption risk assessment exercise for the Isiolo County government aimed at enhancing service delivery through prudent use of resources.
It seeks to assess systems put in place by Governor Mohamed Kuti’s administration to ensure efficient service delivery, accountability in decision making and respect for the rule of law.
Speaking during the launch, EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak said the agency will interrogate county executive and assembly officials to find out how they have been carrying out various functions and help them fix any existing loopholes for efficient service delivery.
In attendance was Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Hussein Roba, Upper Eastern EACC boss George Ojowi, several county executives, chief officers and MCAs.
Mr Mbarak said in event there are some shortcomings, the agency will assist the county to come up with measures to strengthen its system of work to prevent pilferage.
“The process seeks to enhance the county executive and assembly’s system of work and seal any loophole for corrupt dealings,” Mr Mbarak said in a speech read by EACC Central Region boss Charles Rasugu.
Governor Kuti said his administration will cooperate with the EACC team carrying out the assessment by providing all the required documents and implementing its recommendations.
He said his government had put in place measures to prevent wastage of resources, adding that the ongoing development projects and growing local revenue are a clear indication of accountability.
“We will provide EACC with all the documents they need. The exercise will help prevent corruption by sealing any existing gaps that could allow wastage of resources,” Dr Kuti said.
The agency has so far conducted the exercise in 23 counties, with Isiolo being the latest.
To curb favouritism in promotions, the county has established a human resource advisory committee to streamline staffing activities and ensure the process is done on merit, Governor Kuti said.
Counties that have already gone through the process, Mr Rasugu said, have recorded improved services.
The EACC official said conflict of interest in procurement and awarding of tenders and unexplained wealth were common across the 22 counties.
Isiolo County Secretary Ahmed Galgalo said the fight against corruption could only be won if all stakeholders, including the public and other government agencies and offices, are involved.
The exercise comes two weeks to the World Anti-Corruption Day celebrations which are held on December 9 every year. Kenya’s national celebrations will be held in Mombasa.
