Nairobi: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns over possible looting of public funds as the 2024/2025 financial year comes to a close. EACC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdi Mohamud expressed fears that County officials may take advantage of the transition period to carry out irregular payments.
According to Kenya News Agency, in a speech read on his behalf in Kisumu by EACC Western Region Manager Eric Ngumbi during the opening of a three-day integrity workshop for Bungoma County Senior officials, Mohamud said the commission was closely monitoring transactions in the devolved units, where the risk of financial misconduct is highest at the close of the budget cycle. "At such a time, corrupt officials may orchestrate schemes involving fictitious payments or divert funds meant for genuine suppliers. This leads to irregular pending bills that weigh heavily on counties and paralyse essential services," he said.
He cautioned accounting officers against engaging in financial malpractices as the financial year comes to a close, saying any official found culpable will face the full arm of the law. "Leadership must be driven by integrity. Serving in public office is not a gateway to personal gain," he added.
The CEO stated that the commission will continue enforcing anti-graft measures through budget tracking, lifestyle audits, asset recovery, and curbing bribery at service points. He warned counties against obstructing investigations by withholding documents, terming it a criminal offence. "Every shilling stolen is a child denied education, a mother denied healthcare, and a village denied clean water. The fight against corruption is a fight for dignity and development," he declared.
Speaking during the same occasion, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka echoed the EACC's concerns and pledged firm action against unethical conduct. His administration, he said, was committed to transparency, fairness, and accountability, adding that theft of public funds will not be tolerated. "There is no room for favouritism, negligence, or theft of public funds under my watch. We must establish systems that deter abuse and promote public confidence," he said.
Lusaka lauded EACC for the training, urging county executives, chief officers, and members of the public service board to lead by example in the war against graft in the area. "This forum is more than a compliance formality. It is a moment of introspection, a chance to recommit ourselves to the values of honesty, accountability, and service," he concluded.