Bosses Meet In Conference Day After US Commits Billions To Support Kenya's War On Corruption

The Global Compact Network Kenya convened its inaugural conference aimed at fostering a culture of integrity and championing collaborative efforts among anti-corruption actors in Kenya.

Held at Nairobi’s Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel on May 24, 2024, the conference witnessed the participation of industry experts, service providers, contractors, and community members.

Keynote speakers such as Jessica Webe, Executive Director of Global Compact Network-DRC; Khalila Mbowe, CEO of Unleashed Africa Social Ventures; Dr. Arbogast Akidiva, Academic Director at Strathmore University; George Kiondo, Finance Manager from Transparency International Kenya; and Marsha Macatta-Yambi, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Tanzania, shared their expertise on catalyzing action to cultivate a clean and ethical business environment while bolstering collective endeavours in the fight against corruption.

Sally Mwenesi from Safaricom PLC at the Global Compact Network Kenya conference on May 24, 2024. /OORO GEORGE.VIRAL TEA KE

Another highlight of the event was the relaunch and dissemination of the "Uniting against Corruption: A Playbook on Anti-Corruption Collective Action" by the Global Compact Network Kenya.

Participants were equipped with valuable insights and methodologies on employing collective action to identify and address corruption issues.

John Lolkoloi, Director of Ethics and Leadership at EACC Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, emphasized the importance of collaboration between civil society, private sector organizations, NGOs, and advocacy groups in championing transparency, accountability, and integrity in both public administration and the private sector.

"Anti-corruption work is often viewed as a preserve of the anti-corruption bodies. Cooperation among civil society and private sector organizations, NGOs, and other advocacy groups in their common efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in public administration as well as the private sector will increase their collective clout and produce positive synergies,” he said. 

Additionally, Sally Mwenesei from Safaricom PLC elucidated the best practices adopted by Safaricom in promoting integrity within the organization during the Business Integrity Conference.

Organizers reiterated that corporate sustainability starts with a company’s value system and a principles-based approach to conducting business.

This is doable by working in a manner that upholds fundamental responsibilities in areas such as human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.

The conference came a day after the US government provided Kenya with billions of shillings to help the country strengthen its anti-corruption efforts.

In combating corruption, the Joe Biden administration committed Ksh63 million ($500,000) to a new Fiscal Integrity Programme, which aims to make county budget processes more transparent and inclusive and increase citizen engagement.

At the same time, the US government committed a further Ksh63 million ($500,000) to broaden the reach and effectiveness of anti-corruption advocacy.

"This will empower civil society actors to create and disseminate multimedia content that engages citizens and mobilizes action against corruption," the White House said.

To support the government to combat corruption, the US administration also provided Ksh33 million ($250,000) through the Global Accountability Program.

The US government also unveiled a grant of Ksh39 million ($300,000) to support Kenya’s proposed Whistleblower Protection law to strengthen Kenya’s anti-corruption legal architecture. 

In addition, USAID provided Ksh351 million ($2.7 million) to support the improved enforcement of policies and laws that deal with fraud, waste, and abuse in the delivery of public services to Kenyan citizens.