Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission to audit Lands Ministry, Halakhe Waqo
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Halakhe Waqo. EACC has formed a 12-member team to audit systems, procedures, policies and practices at the Lands ministry. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU |
What you need to know:
- Lands and Physical Planning Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi said the audit would transform the docket and restore public confidence.
- EACC Chief Executive Officer Halakhe Waqo appreciated the invitation but advised ministry officials to co-operate with his agency.
- Waqo added that he understood frustrations Kenyans went through in applying for and getting land documents.
- The audit is expected to expose loopholes that make land acquisition, transfer and sale corruption-prone.
The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission has formed a 12-member team to audit systems, procedures, policies and practices at the Lands ministry.
According to Transparency International, the ministry is one of the most corrupt institutions in the region.
Speaking at Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi on Monday, during the launch of the partnership, Lands and Physical Planning Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi said the audit would transform the docket and restore public confidence.
“We will fight to sanitise the ministry even at the risk of losing life or popularity,” Prof Kaimenyi said, adding that he wanted to leave a legacy “like the one I left in the Ministry of Education”.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Halakhe Waqo appreciated the invitation but advised ministry officials to co-operate with his agency.
EXPOSE LOOPHOLES
“The cartels can be dismantled only if we resolve to work together in achieving transparency,” Mr Waqo said.
The EACC boss added that he understood frustrations Kenyans went through in applying for and getting land documents.
He expressed concerns about developers resorting to grabbing public.
Mr Waqo said EACC would give recommendations at the end of the audit.
The commission has previously audited other departments, schemes and agencies like the Free Primary Education, Parliamentary Service Commission, Teachers Service Commission, National Youth Service, Council of Governors among others.
The audit is expected to expose loopholes that make land acquisition, transfer and sale corruption-prone.
EACC deputy CEO Michael Mubea said the audit would take about four months.
