House panel in plan to reform anti-graft agency

The proposal to increase the number of commissioners in the anti-corruption commission is designed to attract committed individuals.

It also seeks to create one centre of power and keep the running costs low.

This is according to Mr Samuel Chepkong’a, the chairman of the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.

Mr Chepkong’a argued that because commissioners of the anti-corruption agency serve for a six-year non-renewable term, it would be difficult to expect a lawyer to close shop for that long. He said having part-time commissioners is preferred.

The suggestion was supported by many MPs during the second reading of a Bill to alter the commission.

NOT A BURDEN

Meru Woman Representative Florence Kajuju said that given the importance of the commission’s importance, the committee agreed that part-time commissioners would be efficient. She said the suggestion to increase the number of commissioners would not be a burden to taxpayers.

Ms Kajuju said the agency requires a strong secretariat to implement the commissioners’ policies.

Nyeri Woman Representative Priscilla Nyokabi said having part-time commissioners would ensure that the highest calibre of professionals in the league of judges and senior lawyers would be interested in the job.

Minority Leader Francis Nyenze and his deputy Jakoyo Midiwo supported the idea.

“To avoid having two centres of power, I support this Bill. Let the secretariat do its job,” said Mr Nyenze.

Mr Midiwo said the idea should be extended to others independent commissions and the powers of the commissioners should be defined.

“All commissions need to be part-time. These commissions are milking public funds. Having commissioners on full-time basis is ill-informed,” he said.