Anti-graft body asked to blacklist corrupt firms

The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) has been asked to conduct an audit of the private sector to identify and blacklist companies that engage in corruption.

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) said it will work closely with KACC to fight corruption within the private sector.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KEPSA and the anti-graft body, the former chairperson Engineer Patrick Obath said that corruption in the private sector was mainly concentrated in the supply chain where businesses come under pressure to pay a “facilitation fee” to obtain a service, get things done or get off the hook after violating tax, standards, license or environmental regulations.

The other area where corruption manifests itself in the sector, Engineer Obath, said was in the area of public procurement where business executives pay bribes to win government contracts.

Engineer Obath suggested that only private sector firms certified by KACC as corruption-free ought to be given government contracts if the fight against graft in the private sector is to be won.

Under the MoU, KEPSA will work closely with KACC in developing strategies to fight corruption in the private sector.

KEPSA will use KACC’s expertise and experience to develop a code of conduct and other instruments crucial in fighting corruption among its members.

“We anticipate mutual exchange of best practices, experiences as well as challenges and sharing research findings and other relevant advocacy materials that empower members of the public, investors and other stakeholders in the private sector to fight corruption,’ said KACC’s assistant director, Ms Jane Onsongu.

On his part, KACC director PLO Lumumba challenged government ministries and institutions to intensify the fight against corruption.

He said all billboards mounted at various government offices declaring them corruption free ought to be pulled down and only displayed after KACC conducts a thorough audit of those institutions and certifies them corruption-free.

He announced that KACC had re-opened investigations into the twin multi-billion shillings scandals of Goldenberg and Anglo leasing to net its perpetrators.

The agency is also investigating corruption cases at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and the Nairobi City Council, he said.

“We believe that this is a war that can be won, will be won, should be won because it if is not won, then we are done,” he stated.