This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
On International Anti-Corruption Day, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) launched a new code of conduct and prevention policy to combat corruption within the organization.
The launch, held at the Ivory Burning site within the Nairobi National Park, saw KWS Director General John Waweru assure the institution's commitment to implementing the policies.
"I want to assure you [that] KWS will keep the issue of preventing corruption within wildlife authorities high on policy agenda and priority as well as spearhead all efforts towards ultimate goal on zero corruption within the service," Waweru said.
According to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), corruption accounts for at least $2.6 trillion, or 5 percent of the Global GDP.
"That is 5 percent of global GDP that is moving outside of normal channels, robbing citizens around the world of their basic rights and hard-earned income, facilitating terrorism, and enriching transnational criminal organisations," said Heather Merritt, US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs official.
The new code of conduct and prevention policy aims at ensuring a sustained fight against corruption, through continuous sensitization and capacity building for the Board of Trustees, employees.
European Union Representative Myra Bernardi and US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs official Heather Merritt reiterated their organizations' support for the KWS.
