This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
Published on October 6, 2019, the Catholic Church in Kenya has taken a bold step in the fight against corruption by banning huge cash donations and introducing electronic transfers.
The move, announced by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, aims to prevent the misuse of funds and ensure transparency in financial dealings.
According to the bishops, all fundraisers in the church will now be done through mobile money transfer or by cheque, leaving a clear trail of donors for accountability's sake.
“Henceforth fundraisers in the church will be done by mobile money transfer or by cheque. This will avoid handling of huge amounts of cash and give a clear trail of the donors,” conference Chairman Bishop Philip Anyolo announced.
The bishops also declared that the church shall not condone being used as political platforms or for any other motive other than for the liturgy and normal worship.
“We shall not be used as political platforms. We shall not allow any address within the church from any non-liturgical character. Such addresses will be made outside with due dignity. Political speeches shall not be allowed during any liturgical celebrations,” he said.
The move has been welcomed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), with CEO Twalib Mbarak commending the Catholic Church for its commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The decision by the Catholic Church to rally its faithful to strongly support the fight against corruption and ban all donations without proper source is welcomed,” said Mbarak.
