Former head of public service Francis Muthaura has advised government agencies to reward anti-corruption heroes to curb the vices that have significantly affected the public sector.
Muthaura was speaking during the International Anti-Corruption Day event, where he gave a public lecture titled "Fighting Corruption In Developing Economies: Reform Opportunities For Kenya."
"Government agencies should design and implement mechanisms for rewarding anti-corruption champions. This will encourage a culture of integrity and patriotism, which are critical values in the fight against corruption," he stated while addressing delegates, the media and other stakeholders at Nokras Riverine Hotel in Sagana, Murang'a County.
In regards to the role of the public in fighting corruption, the former public servant encouraged Kenyans to play a key role since the nation's growth called for collective responsibility for all.
According to Muthaura, Kenyans, both those in leadership and the citizens, allowed the vice to surge in various sectors by continuously tolerating it, adding that it would be an arduous task to fight to defeat corruption through intermittent interventions.
Furthermore, he called for the relevant bodies to develop laws to help the country curb corruption and seal loopholes.
"Appropriate legislative and policy reforms will ensure that public officials under active corruption investigations or charged in court cease to hold office until they are cleared in accordance with the law," he reiterated.
With the EACC reports showing that the most significant chunk of high-calibre corruption cases in the public service was linked to public procurement, Muthaura noted a need to address tender laws.
On public servants, he stated that it was prudent for those given such positions to serve the nation rather than advance their selfish interests.
The former Permanent Secretary to the Presidency added that Kenya was a country whose growth was greatly hindered by corruption.
"Kenya has all that it requires to attain the status of a developed nation. It is endowed with resources, a beautiful environment that draws tourists from all over the world, and most importantly, very intelligent, talented and industrious people. However, the national efforts for development have seriously been undermined by corruption," he stated.
"What needs to be done to make Kenya prosper on all fronts? The answer would be simple. To effectively and faithfully implement the letter and spirit of the Constitution," he stated.
The Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, Amin Mohamed, and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Chairperson, Bishop David Oginde, attended the lecture.
