Use the Browser BACK button to return to listings

Nairobi, August 14, 2003

Kibaki launches wealth declaration forms

President Mwai Kibaki receives the declaration forms from the chairman of Parliamentary Service Commission Hon. Francis Ole Kaparo at State House where he launched the Forms

The process of operationalising the Public officer ethics act entered its final stage today with the launching of the declaration forms under the act.

Presiding over the launching ceremony at State House Nairobi today President Mwai Kibaki said public officers had until 1st of October to submit their financial declarations.

During the function the President handed over the declaration forms to various commissions under the public officer ethics act to be dispatched to public servants across the country.

At the same time, President Kibaki received his own forms from the Speaker of the National assembly Francis ole Kaparo.

He said he would complete filling the forms, thus declaring his wealth in two weeks time.

The President said the declaration of wealth promoted transparency and accountability in the public service adding it was an important tool by which the government was seeking to improve its own capacity to respond to the needs of the people.

He said building upon the government's promise to eradicate corruption the anti-corruption and economic crimes act came into force on 2nd May.

The object of this act, he recalled, was to ensure that Kenya's economy her people and succeeding generations of Kenyans were not impoverished by greed of a few people.

"It provided a firm legislative basis for dealing with the economic crimes in the country," he added.

President Kibaki reminded the responsible commissions that the responsibility for enforcement of the public officers ethics act was placed on them.

Noting that all public servants must declare their wealth President Kibaki warned that the government will not tolerate excuses .

The minister for Justice and constitutional affairs Kiraitu Murungi said offenders risk a three year imprisonment or a shs 1 million fine or both such fine and imprisonment.

Present were cabinet ministers, the chief of the general staff general Joseph Kibwana and chairmen and secretaries of various commissions and the public officer ethics act.