This archive report was first published on 9 November 2019.
As part of efforts to combat corruption, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has given governors and their spouses until the end of the month to declare their income, assets, and liabilities for a lifestyle audit.
According to EACC Chairman Eliud Wabukala, senior officers employed by county public service boards will also be subjected to the audit.
Wabukala stated that 2019 is a 'declaration year' and all public officials will be required to submit their biennial declarations together with those of their spouses and children under the age of 18.
He emphasized that failure to declare within the stipulated period will result in the seizure of accumulated assets.
Wabukala noted that proper declaration will give an opportunity to assess the kind of person a public official is, and if they have acquired assets beyond their means, they will be asked to explain how they obtained them.
During a two-day workshop on management of Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities (DIALs) for newly-appointed members of County Public Service Boards (CPSBs) held at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, Wabukala highlighted the importance of combating corruption, which he described as an endemic practice that has flourished due to the erosion of values and morals.
He recommended that responsible boards comply with the Commission's request to submit returns on DIALs, citing that 19 Public Service Boards complied in the 2017 declaration year, while 28 County Public Service Boards did not.
Wabukala also appealed to counties that have not yet gazetted their administrative procedures on DIALs to do so and submit a copy to the Commission by November 29, 2019.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, who was the chief guest, expressed his government's readiness to support the fight against corruption and urged EACC to fast-track investigations on high-profile corruption cases and bring the culprits to justice.
Wabukala stated that the two-day workshop is part of a series of ongoing engagements between EACC and County Governments to promote a culture of integrity and ethical conduct within the Public Service.
