President Uhuru Kenyatta has instructed all Heads of Procurement and Accounting Units in Ministries, Departments, Agencies and State Corporations to step aside with immediate effect.
In a statement issued to newsrooms, the officers are required to submit their personal information to the Office of the Head of the Public Service, to be delivered by June 8.
"The information sought includes their assets, liabilities and previous record of service. Whereas the exercise is geared towards determining suitability to continue holding public office in the public trust, and promote confidence in the public service, the same will be undertaken in a fair and objective manner, exercised with due care and regard to officers' rights as enshrined in the constitution," the statement reads in part.
[caption caption="The press statement"]
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Meanwhile, the Office of the Head of Public Service has issued a circular to the entire public service giving guidelines on fresh vetting for certain categories of public servants.
"Thirty days compulsory leave for all Procurement and Accounting officers to pave way for fresh vetting. The officers will however not be prejudiced, they will get their salaries, but will only travel on clearance by the Head of Public Service," the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit stated.
The directive comes after the President's Madaraka Day speech where he stepped up efforts against the fight in corruption.
Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations the President ordered a mandatory polygraph test for all government heads of procurement and accounts in the various ministries.
The measure, President Kenyatta explained, would be an initial step to tackle corruption and vet the officials afresh to identify those fit to serve in the government.
"Let me now mention one part of the raft of measures we intend to implement to tackle corruption. As an initial step, all heads of procurement and accounts in government ministries, departments, agencies, and institutions will undergo fresh vetting including a polygraph testing to determine the integrity and suitability of the officials.
"Those who shall fail the vetting will immediately be suspended from office," he added.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta"]
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