The Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff in the office of President Felix Kosgei has issued a stern warning to Principal Secretaries (PSs) against corruption.
Speaking during a meeting with PSs in Isiolo on Saturday, Kosgei urged them to spearhead efforts that curb the vice instead.
He emphasized that the government has already formed a multi-agency team that is monitoring activities in the public service and no one will be spared if found to be culpable of corrupt dealings.
Kosgei also warned state officers against revealing confidential government information to the public.
He said that there are leaks of confidential government information in the public domain and the trend must be checked. “All PSs must ensure that their key policy decisions be directed toward revamping the economy by helping the country to lower the cost of living and job creation, enhancing foreign exchange inflows, and promoting inclusive growth which will enhance the bottom-up economic strategy,” he added.
Kosgei referred to corruption as a serious challenge that has crippled the country in all sectors across the government and said that the offices of principal secretaries must be champions to begin the war towards zero tolerance for corruption.
This comes after President William Ruto read out a warning to his Cabinet and state officials at Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on March 25th stating they would carry their own cross should their dockets be found culpable of corruption.
In line with this proclamation, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei insisted that his administration will not tolerate any state officers who engage in corruption in their respective dockets. “Those in charge of managing public resources will take personal responsibility for any misuse of resources,” stated Koskei.
Last month, Public Health Principal Secretary Josephine Mburu was sacked over corruption allegations sending a strong signal about the government’s resolve against graft.
The call for accountability among PSs is timely as the country gears up for the 2022 general elections.
