Kenya has been selected as the host of the Centre for Anti-Corruption Studies and Research in Africa after a competitive bidding process.
African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities's (AAACA) General Assembly made the resolution during its Extraordinary Meeting held on Wednesday.
The centre, expected to be set up by AAACA, will facilitate studies and research for good governance and anti-corruption efforts in the continent.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Twalib Mbarak welcomed the decision noting that the Centre will also play an important role in facilitating the development and harmonisation of strategies for the prevention, detection, investigation and control of corruption and related offences in Africa.
He further appreciated the trust bestowed upon Kenya by its regional peers to take up the responsibility of hosting the Centre.
According to EACC, the assembly's resolution acknowledged Kenya’s commitment to international and regional legal instruments against corruption.
The Commission established key anti-corruption structures and recorded significant milestones in law enforcement, prevention and recovery of corruptly acquired assets over time.
"Notably, the establishment of the Centre, marks a good opportunity for Kenya, especially in the areas of strengthening collaborations, strategies and opportunities in the fight against corruption," the Commission stated.
The African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities was established in accordance with the African Union Convention to promote the effective implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, to which Kenya is a signatory.
EACC has been a member of AAACA which is committed to boosting the anti-graft collaboration from a regional to a continental level.
The idea to establish AAACA was first brought to light by the President of the Republic of Burundi in 2009 to have a continental platform to fight corruption.
The idea was later taken forward by the same authorities at their Annual General Meeting held in Nairobi Kenya in November 2010.
