NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 18 – The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of ethical business practices in order to help combat corruption and bribery.
KEPSA’s statement comes amidst 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.
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 of misuse are brought to book.
Separately, KEPSA has also 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 funds.
For its part, KEPSA will continue the rollout of the Code of Ethics for Business under the UN Global Compact.
The Alliance is also encouraging its 1000 business members organizations to not only sign but also adopt a self-regulatory framework for their members.
KEPSA says it will also intensify training among its members on business ethics and integrity and continue to push and support the digitization of government services as a key effort in reducing corruption as well as enhancing efficient service delivery to Kenyans.
