The Speaker of Senate, Sen Kenneth Lusaka today presented a paper on efforts by the Kenyan Government toward combating corruption. He was speaking at the 7^th Session of the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Vienna, Austria.

Speaker Lusaka – who is leading the Kenyan delegation comprising Senators and Members of the National Assembly – noted that the Government, through relevant institutions specifically charged with the mandates of preventing and/or combating corruption – remains steadfast to root out the vice from the country.

“Kenya firmly believes that eradication of corruption is the key to spurring economic growth and development which provides enabling environment for the enjoyment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms for our people,” said the Speaker.

The Senate Speaker cited the recent operationalization of the Assets Recovery Agency and Financial Reporting Center as fully autonomous agencies – being among the notable achievements in the country’s quest toward eradicate corruption.

“Kenya strongly supports mechanisms that provide for the confiscation of corruptly acquired assets,” he added.

He pointed out that Kenya also established the Multi Agency Team (MAT) which comprises- the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Director of Public Prosecutions, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Revenue Authority, Assets Recovery Agency, Financial Reporting Centre and National Intelligence Service.

In terms of preventing corruption, the Speaker, said the government has reduced opportunities for corruption by making it a compulsory that all payments from government be made on ICT-based platforms.

“These [electronic] platforms allow citizens pay for services like passports, driving license, land search certificates and other necessary documents so as to reduce human contact,” he elucidated.

Members of the Kenyan delegation include: Sen Isaac Mwaura (Nominated), Sen Rose Nyamunga (Nominated), Hon Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu Town), Hon Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Hon Njagagua Muriuki (Mbeere North) and Hon (Prof) Jacqueline Oduol.

The week-long conference brings together over 170 parliamentarians and 400 observers dedicated to fighting corruption and improving good governance.

The Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) is the only

International network of parliamentarians in the world that is focused solely on combating corruption.