The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has warned professionals against using their expertise to aid the theft of public funds.

Speaking during the Annual Governance & Ethics Conference in Mombasa on Thursday, October 7, 2024, EACC Director of Ethics and Leadership John Lolkoloi, revealed most scandals involving the theft of public funds have the direct involvement of professionals, especially accountants and lawyers.

The anti-graft agency says there is an increasing contribution of engineers, land valuers, surveyors, bankers, IT experts and procurement professionals to the planning and execution of corruption schemes.

“EACC urges all professional bodies in the country to infuse integrity and accountability in their self-regulatory mechanisms to enhance corruption intolerance among Kenyan professionals,” Lolkoloi said.

EACC warning

Lolkoloi also urged professionals to desist from processing fraudulent payments and instead report suspicious transactions to Authorities.

“Do not be conduits for proceeds of corruption or assist in the perpetuation of corrupt schemes,” he added.

Lolkoloi revealed that EACC has since directed all public institutions in Kenya to authenticate academic and professional certificates of persons being considered for employment, following the prevalence of fake academic certificates in the public service.

EACC reveals that so far, over 2,000 public officers are alleged to have fake academic certificates and remedial actions are at different stages of law enforcement.

“In addition to subjecting the academic cheats to criminal prosecution, EACC will continue to file civil suits for recovery of all salaries and benefits earned on the basis of fake qualifications,” EACC stated.