Civil Society Organizations under the Citizen Agen da Pillar umbrella have called on the government to make their commitment to fighting corruption a reality.
Speaking on behalf of CSOs at a press conference on the state of governance and recent developments in the fight against corruption in Kenya on July 6, 2023, Suba Churchill, the Executive Director of Kenya National Civil Society Centre noted that under the Ken ya Kwanza manifesto, also known as the ‘The Bot tom-up Economic Transformation 2022-2027,’ the government committed to ending the weaponization and politicization of anti-corruption efforts by allowing relevant institutions to freely exercise the independence granted to them by the Constitution; grant them and the police financial independence to end their reliance on the Office of the President and promote accountability and openness in the management of public affairs; institutionalize open governance in all State organs and agencies and publish an annual State of openness report.
The CSOs commended the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for making some progress in the recovery of corruption-related asserts but regretted recent efforts by members of parliament to water down safeguards against corruption by proposing amendments that would weaken the law.
They urged MPs to be at the forefront of the battle against corruption because they are charged with the primary responsibility of providing oversight to the Executive and serving as the defender of citizens’ interests.
The Citizens Agenda Pillar is one of the key planks of the Multi-Sectoral Forum (MSF): the initiative that brings together the private sector, professional associations, civil society organizations, and a diverse array of interest groups to address governance and citizens-centered issues of public interest and concern in Kenya.
By Purity Jebor
