President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday drew a new red line on the fight against corruption, issuing stringent measures aimed at stemming the runaway corruption in the Country.
Kenyatta, who seemed disturbed by the current corruption storm rocking his administration, gave the following stern measures that his Government would implement in fighting the graft menace:
1. He asked Kenyans to develop an online platform that would allow citizens and customers to report bribe demands, service delays and corrupt practices in Government departments and the data produced be publicised and availed to him.
2. Government to introduce travel wallet cards for all State and Chief Executive Officers of State corporations, as a measure to regulate unnecessary foreign trips.
3. Announced a Business Code of Ethics domiciled in the Public Procurement Oversight Authority, which every company seeking to work with the National and County Governments would have to sign. Any business or company that goes against the Code will receive a five-year ban.
4. Ordered immediate vetting of thousands of staff at the Kenya Revenue Authority and Customs and Immigration department, to assess their integrity and competence level.
5. Directed for the immediate prosecution of any public officer, who through their action or inaction led to the loss of public resources.
6. The withdrawal of banking licenses for banks that break anti-money laundering laws and regulations.
7. In conjunction with the Judiciary, a division of the High Court on corruption and economic crimes would be set up to actualize fast tracking prosecution of corruption and economic crimes.
8. The Public Procurement Oversight Authority will be required to widely publish its periodical price reference list for goods and services, to avoid overpricing in procurement of goods in state offices.
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In his address to the Nation, he termed graft as a threat to national security, asking the National Security Advisory Committee to add corruption to its agenda. He also barred any state agency from increasing taxes to ensure that Kenyans received quality services before paying more for the services.
Kenyatta further asked the clergy to “declare corruption a sin against God and humanity” assuring that his Government would crush the graft nightmare.
"We will win this fight. We will make it expensive for anyone stealing from Kenyans and denying them education, health, security, infrastructure, water and other services that they work so hard to receive from their Government," he said amid applause.
