By Nancy Juma
A Delegation from the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (EACC) this morning had successful consultative engagements with the Kisumu County Executive Members to deliberate on various mechanisms to combat graft. This is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to operationalize the Corruption Prevention Committees established in selected counties.
The meeting set out to officially launch the Corruption Prevention Committee for Kisumu County as well as provide an opportunity for the commission to present to Kisumu the Guidelines on Establishment and Operationalization of Corruption Prevention Committees. The document articulates the terms of reference of the committee; operation, composition etc.
In a bid to combat corruption within the devolved units, the commission is establishing Corruption Prevention Committees (CPCs) in collaboration with County Government’s across the country. The initial face will be undertaken in six counties around the country namely; Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet and Vihiga and will soon be rolled out in all the 47 devolved units.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor H.E. Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, the County Minister in charge of Public Service and Ag. County Secretary Judith Oluoch welcomed the move by the commission, reiterating the Governor’s committment to work closely with EACC and its partner GIZ in ensuring that there is accountability frameworks to strengthen systems and processes within the county. She also noted the initiative will go a long way in promoting good governance practices within the County Government. Kisumu County has established the Corruption Prevention Committee chaired by the Governor with full membership from his Cabinet.
Commissioner John Ogallo in his keynote address said that as part of the Commission’s mandate to prevent corruption, they are establishing the committees to make sure that there are structures, procedures and systems in place that make it difficult for unethical behaviour to thrive as well as prevent corruption from taking place in the first place.
“We want to ensure that County Governments; those entrusted with the responsibilities of service delivery are doing so in a manner consistent with the law and that public resources are safeguarded and utilised for service delivery and for intended purpose”. He said
The commission plans to train all the CPC members comprising of the County Executive Committee Members later in the year to induct them on various practices to enhance corruption prevention.
Kisumu is the second County to hold discussions with the Commission after Vihiga which had their engagements yesterday.
Others joining the EACC entourage included Directors – Dr. Emily Mworia, Vincent Okong’o, the Western Regional Manager Abraham Kemboi and officials from GIZ, Commission partners in this process.
Madam Oluoch leading the County team was joined by all her Colleagues in the Cabinet comprising of Ministers, the City Manager, and the County Attorney.
GPU
8/06/2023
City Hal
