Kenya’s Head of the Public Service has issued a warning to corrupt officials, saying they must desist from such behaviour.
Speaking at a school thanksgiving ceremony, Felix Koskei said the Kenya Kwanza Government, which came to power last year, would not condone corrupt activities among the Public Servants who had been given the mandate to serve the public diligently.
“The screws are being tightened on anyone who fails to live up to this,” Mr Koskei (pictured) said.
“I want to make it clear; if a Public Service employee is involved in criminal conduct, he or she must know that sooner or later they will be detected through the lifestyle audit process and steps will be taken against them.”
He said for too long corruption had been endemic among police, teachers and the Public Service generally.
“It is so disheartening to see public resources meant to develop a country lost in the hands of those given the responsibility of service delivery,” Mr Koskei said.
“We cannot professionalise the public service, improve service delivery or have economic growth if we condone unethical conduct and ignore corrupt behaviour.”
He cited examples of money allocated for road repairs and a new school disappearing into officials’ pockets.
“Such behaviour will no longer be accepted. The Government is committed to delivering on its campaign promises to Kenyans,” Mr Koskei said.
“We are all servants of the public and we must be dedicated to rolling out the President’s agenda.”
Nairobi, 23 June 2023
