The EACC urges experts to refrain from assisting the graft

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has asked accountants, lawyers and other professionals in the country to refrain from using their expertise to facilitate the theft of public funds.

EACC director of ethics and leadership John Lolkoloi said no public fund scandal has occurred in Kenya without the involvement of professionals, especially accountants and lawyers.

Lolkolol was speaking during the official launch of the ICPAK Annual Governance and Ethics Conference in Mombasa.

The day that started on Monday will close on Friday.

He challenged the participants to use their skills for the public good instead of enabling actions harmful to society.

He said EACC investigations had revealed an increasing role of engineers, land valuers, surveyors, bankers, IT experts and procurement professionals in planning and executing corruption schemes, further eroding public trust.

“EACC urges all professional bodies in the country to embed integrity and accountability within their self-regulatory mechanisms to encourage zero tolerance for corruption among Kenyan professionals,” Lolkoloi said.

He said, bearing in mind the crucial role accountants play in the management of public funds and urged them to refrain from processing suspected fraudulent payments and to report suspicious transactions to the authorities.

“Do not become conduits for the proceeds of corruption or help perpetuate corrupt schemes,” Lolkoloi said.

Addressing the issue of fake academic certificates in the public service, Lolkoloi disclosed that the EACC has instructed all public institutions to authenticate the academic and professional certificates of those being considered for employment.

So far, more than 2,000 civil servants are said to have fake academic qualifications, with enforcement action already underway.

In addition to prosecuting individuals involved in academic fraud, EACC said they will continue to file civil lawsuits to recover salaries and benefits earned based on false grades.