On 20 November 2018, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said Nairobi County should begin subjecting its officers to regular integrity tests as part of efforts to curb corruption at City Hall.
The recommendation was made in a report titled Institutionalization of Ethics and Integrity and the Role of the Media, which singled out departments considered vulnerable to graft and called for stronger internal controls.
Mr Erick Munyao, the commission’s acting assistant director of ethics and leadership, said the county needed a clause in staff contracts that would discourage unethical conduct. He also urged risk assessments in operational areas and the creation of an ethics and integrity department to develop, implement and enforce anti-corruption strategies.
“Nairobi should develop a mechanism for holding heads of units responsible for corruption and unethical conduct in their units,” he said.
The county has at least 1,300 employees, according to the report.
Mr Munyao said the EACC had recorded fewer complaints from the public and praised the county for its efforts against graft. He also said Governor Mike Sonko’s administration had delivered more development than former Governor Evans Kidero’s government under the same circumstances.
The commission said it had seen continued action against officials suspected of corruption. Since August 21, 2017, when Mr Sonko took over, 40 City Hall staff members, including senior officials, have been punished through suspension or dismissal.
Those affected include Chief of Staff Brian Mugo, acting Chief Finance Officer Ekaya Alumasi, John Ojwang and acting Treasury head Stephen Mutua, all over allegations of graft. More than 30 staff members in the procurement department have also been suspended for the same reason.
The county boss has repeatedly vowed to rid City Hall of cartels, and the EACC’s latest remarks came against the backdrop of those ongoing disciplinary actions.
