Punish members stealing Covid-19 funds, says lobby
By Noel Wandera, August 19, 2020
CORRUPTION: Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) now wants its members involved in the embezzlement of Covid-19 funds expelled from the alliance.
Kepsa Chief executive Carole Karuga yesterday appealed to its members in all sectors to undertake urgent and rigorous self-examinations in order to remove any weaknesses that allow malpractices leading to corruption.
“These self-examinations should include expelling from their memberships any companies or individuals found to be involved in the embezzlement of Covid-19 funds,” she said.
Her statement comes amid widespread public concern about and condemnation of alleged corruption in the healthcare supply chains involved in the supply of medicine and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Karuga said if proven, the allegations will constitute one of the most heinous economic and health crimes against the people of Kenya, coming at a time when Kenyans are being asked to make enormous personal, financial and business sacrifices to combat the spread and impact of Covid-19.
“As an immediate first step, Kepsa has called on the government to undertake an urgent, independent and transparent audit of the use of all Covid-19 funds raised, including those raised under the aegis of the Kepsa-supported Covid-19 Fund Board, to ensure those found culpable are brought to book,” Karuga said.
She said Kepsa will continue the rollout of the Code of Ethics for Business under the UN Global Compact, and encouraged the organisation’s members to not only sign but also adopt a self-regulatory framework for their members.
But speaking to the Business Hub, Raphael Matu, and Economist and Financial Analyst at finsolution said expelling members might not have a major implication at this time, though he welcomed the idea of a code of ethics as a step in the right direction.
“Communication on the whole issue by Kepsa is crucial as it sends out positive signals about Kepsa’s feelings as an organisation. However, it is highly likely that the companies involved have not necessarily signed the code,” said Matu.
Kenya has so far secured over Sh223 billion for its Covid-19 war chest from the international community.