This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Joseph Okakho, a port manager currently serving as human resources manager at Bandari Maritime Academy, has been accused of misappropriating public funds and abusing his office. The allegations date back to 2012, when Okakho was acting head of ethics at Kenya Ports Authority.
According to reports, Okakho used his firm, Ethics Institute of East Africa Limited, to organize a training workshop at Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, spending millions of shillings of public funds without authorization. The training, titled 'Ethics at work place,' was allegedly single-sourced to Okakho's firm, enriching him through the misuse of public funds.
Okakho's actions were reportedly brought to the attention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), which instituted investigations into the allegations. The investigations confirmed that Okakho had abused public office, misappropriated public finance, and engaged in conflict of interest.
Okakho has since denied the allegations, accusing the EACC of witch-hunting him. The matter has reportedly fizzled out, with the Director of Public Prosecution returning the investigation file to the EACC due to a lack of statement from Okakho's co-director, Rose Makokha.
Okakho's transfer to Kisumu from Mombasa and subsequent secondment to Bandari Maritime Academy as human resources manager have raised eyebrows, with some questioning the irregularity of the appointment. The matter is reportedly being investigated by the EACC.
