Speaking during a consultative forum held between the EACC and the Matatu Owners Association Thursday, the Head of Investigations Abdi Mahmud said that they will pursue relevant amendments to anti-corruption laws to ensure that the legal frame work is strong enough to combat and prevent corruption/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7 – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission will partner with matatu operators to stem corruption in the transport sector.
Speaking during a consultative forum held between the EACC and the Matatu Owners Association Thursday, the Head of Investigations Abdi Mahmud said that they will pursue relevant amendments to anti-corruption laws to ensure that the legal frame work is strong enough to combat and prevent corruption.
“The Commission seeks to collaborate with the private sector specifically the matatu sector to instil a culture of orderliness, ethics, integrity, and anti-corruption in the transportation sector,” said Mahmud.
He urged matatu owners to ensure their vehicles are road-worthy to seal loopholes that may lead to corruption.
According to the African Development Bank Group, the transport sector has been one of the fastest growing that constitutes 16 per cent of Kenya’s private sector Gross Domestic Product.
It further contributes to 9 per cent of Kenya’s formal private sector employment.
Mahmud said it’s unfortunate that despite the great strides that have been made in the transport sector, challenges including corruption and unethical practices such as bribery, drink and reckless driving continue to derail the growth of this sector.
He recognised the transport sector as a key player in the country’s economy saying the Commission will do everything possible to ensure the transport sector is corruption free.
“We will work with the matatu sector in a bid to raise awareness of integrity, good governance and corruption prevention,” said Mahmud.
In his address, Mahmud called upon members of matatu Saccos to lead by example by demanding accountability, responsibility and effectiveness from public service providers.
Matatu owners were urged not to bribe traffic officers and to report any incidences of corruption at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) offices.
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