Kenya: State officers suspended under war on corruption

By Andrew Wasike and Magdalene Mukami

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Heads of procurement and accounting units in a host of Kenyan state bodies were ordered to step down on Monday pending new measures President Uhuru Kenyatta wants to marshal against corruption.

A new vetting process will include the use of lie detectors to establish whether the employees in ministries, departments, agencies, and state corporations are corrupt.

“Whereas the exercise is geared towards determining suitability to continue holding public office in the public trust and promote confidence in the public service, the same will be undertaken in a fair and objective manner, exercised with due care and regard to officers’ rights as enshrined in the constitution,” said government spokesman Eric Kiraithe.

“The officers are required to submit personal information to the office of the head of public service by Friday, 8 June.”

Information to be provided includes assets, liabilities, and previous records of service.

The government statement said the exercise comes under Kenyatta’s directive last Friday vowing to tighten the noose on corruption following the theft of $100 million from the National Youth Service.

“The president is committed to creating a public service that serves the needs and aspirations of Kenyans without taking undue advantage of their offices to enrich or otherwise benefit themselves,” it explained.