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ETHICS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION

Remarks by Mumo Matemu,MBS, Chairman of the Ethics and

Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) during the Closing Ceremony

of the University of Nairobi (UoN) Rapid Results Initiative (RRI)

Programme on “Role of the UoN in the Implementation of the

Constitution Of Kenya 2010” held in Taifa Hall on Friday

November 29, 2013

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Prof. Githu Muigai, Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya;

Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education;

Dr. David Sang, principal Secretary, Ministry of Education;

Prof. George Magoha, Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi;

My Colleague Chairperson, CIC, Mr. Charles Nyachae;

Constitution and Integrity Champions;

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

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Good morning!

Introduction: appreciating the University’s commitment

to integrity and anti-corruption

I am delighted to join you in this crucial event as we formally

close the University of Nairobi 100 days RRI Programme on

“The Role of the UoN in the Implementation of the Constitution

of Kenya 2010.”

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Allow me from the very onset to congratulate the University

for achieving its set targets within the timeframe of 100 days

that we are closing today. During that period, the University

has undertaken various key anti-corruption activities

including sensitization of staff, students, alumni and general

public on their role in the implementation of the Constitution

of Kenya 2010.

I am made to understand that the Programme has been a

resounding success and met the objectives as set out by the

University Management.

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This achievement continues to demonstrate your commitment

to mainstreaming integrity and good governance in the

management of the University Affairs with a view to

transforming society.

In this regard, I am unable to resist the temptation to predict

that when the Commission conducts its First National Survey

on Corruption and Ethics in Public Universities in a few

months time, UoN could be ranked among, if not, the best.

This is because the programme marks another milestone in

the anti-corruption strategies that UoN has implemented with

success.

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From our records, the university has distinguished itself as

one the most responsive public institutions in meeting its

performance contracting targets. The University continues to

promptly submit its quarterly reports as well as acting on our

recommendations regarding Corruption Risk Assessment.

To this end, EACC is delighted to be your partner in the

Implementation of the Constitution of Kenya and in this

regard, I pledge our continued support in your other

programs and activities aimed at championing good

governance and corruption intolerance in Kenya.

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Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the Concept of Integrity

Ladies and Gentlemen, the people of Kenya enacted a new

Constitution to discard mediocrity and the unethical culture

that had tarnished the image of Public Service. As part of the

efforts to reform public service delivery, the Government

initiated the Public Service Integrity Programme (PSIP) to

rekindle public confidence.

This was in recognition of the fact that efficient Public Service

delivery is a human rights issue and that is why Huduma

Bora, Haki Yako is enshrined in Article 47 (1) of the

Constitution.

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It is therefore imperative that all public institutions entrench

and internalize efficient public service delivery in their

operations. In this regard, I call upon other institutions to

emulate what has been done at the UON.

I have no doubt in my mind that the programme we are

closing today will herald a culture of Constitutionalism in the

University and the Kenyan society in general.

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Academic knowledge without integrity

Ladies and Gentlemen; the success of a university in the

world today may not be measured by the comprehensiveness

of its curriculum or the population of its students’

constituency. Rather, it is to depend on the University’s

output; the quality of the graduates it produces and releases

to the society. At this moment when so much public and

stakeholder attention is being focused on the quality of

graduates that our universities are producing, the challenge

is now for you to ensure that the fruits of these great anti-

corruption efforts are reflected in your key products; the

graduates you produce.

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You will agree with me that we are living in a time when

knowledge is increasingly becoming more vital to our societies

and economies and replacing other resources as the main

driver of economic growth. Education is now the foundation

for individual prosperity and social mobility. However this

knowledge must be tampered with integrity for society to

significantly benefit from it.

As you advance in integrity mainstreaming, the Commission

will continue to work with you to ensure that the strategies

you have formulated are not only in place but are also

capable of achieving their desired objectives.

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Role of Universities in Transforming Society

Ladies and Gentlemen, academic institutions such as

Universities have a crucial role to play in shaping and

transforming governance in any nation. The position we have

in Kenya today is that intellectuals have not proactively

discharged the responsibilities bestowed upon them by virtue

of their positions in society.

Scholars are expected to be the intellectual conscience of the

society, constantly offering guidance and direction to the

others in respect of complex social phenomena such as

corruption.

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We expect to see scholars questioning how public affairs are

managed especially in a society where architects of corruption

and impunity capitalize on public ignorance and apathy to

perpetuate bad governance.

For instance in our Kenyan situation, Universities and

Scholars could play a key role in the ongoing discussions and

offer scholarly guidance on critical national issues such as:

i. Implementation of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity. Some critical questions include: what is the integrity thresh hold in Kenya?;

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In conducting public appointments to State and Public Offices, what difference, if any, exits in the vetting done

by the selection panels, then Parliament and which should supersede the other?;

ii. Implementation of devolution which is a new concept

in Kenya. What should the nation do to realize the

objects of devolution?

iii. Public participation in governance processes. What

happens when genuine concerns of members of the

public are not at all considered by institutions

adjudicating over given matters?

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iv. Bi-cameral Parliament- Senate and National Assembly;

v. Enhanced sovereignty of the people and their

participation in governance processes;

vi. Discovery of mineral resources in Kenya;

Ladies and Gentlemen; these are some of the concerns that

Kenyans have and expect to see key stakeholders such as

universities and scholars giving the requisite intellectual

impetus in an effort to enhance good governance.

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It would thus help if the programme we are closing today

could be used as a wakeup call for universities and scholars

to reclaim their roles in transformation of society.

What UoN Can Do to Nurture and Promote Integrity

Regarding UoN, allow me to point out some measures that the

University could consider undertaking further to the RRI

Programme we are closing:

i. Conducting or facilitating the conduct of research on

emerging issues on integrity to enhance the anti-

corruption jurisprudence;

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ii. Establishing an award scheme for integrity targeting

students or members of staff or administration. On this

one, the Commission would be glad to be giving the

award on integrity. However it would be our desire to be

involved in the development of the framework for

selecting the winner as well as the actual selection.

Bwana Vice Chancellor please liaise with me on this

proposal;

iii. Organizing scholarly debates on complex integrity and

anti-corruption issues;

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iv. Designing and administering an examinable course on

Integrity as well as mainstreaming integrity content in

your policies, programmes and activities;

v. Subjecting the University to peer review by others in

order to bolster quality performance;

vi. Formulation and implementation of new integrity

programmes targeting all the University stakeholders;

vii. Reviewing your Codes of Conduct, Rules and Regulation

to reflect the spirit of Chapter Six of the Constitution,

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Article 10 on National Values and Chapter 13 on

Principles of Public Service and the Leadership and

Integrity Act 2012.

Ladies and Gentlemen; the above strategies are important

and could make UoN not only a Fountain of Knowledge but

of knowledge that would transform Kenya and propel it to the

realization of vision 2030.

Implementation of such measures is primarily what would

make the difference between performing and non-performing

institutions.

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However, these tools could only work in a climate of sound

leadership, management good will and resolve to do things

right. UoN has so far demonstrated these qualities. I therefore

urge you to adopt the tools and work with us for effective

implementation.

EACC Strategy in Partnering with Institutions

As I conclude, let me emphasize that the Commission is

committed to discharging its mandate under Chapter Six of

the Constitution. The Commission recognizes the enormous

responsibility bestowed upon us by the people of Kenya.

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As we continue to establish and strengthen partnerships with

other institutions, it is very necessary to clarify that these

partnerships are between EACC and institutions but not

the individual members of such institutions.

No partnership will therefore compromise or prevent EACC

from discharging its mandate where individual officers of a

partner institution engage in corruption or unethical

practices.

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Each State or Public Officer is called upon to internalize and

recognize that the office they hold is so held on the basis of

delegated authority and in trust for the people of Kenya.

By that virtue, we should all adhere to the Constitutional

requirements on leadership, ethics and integrity in both our

public and private lives.

This is the only way to ensure that Kenyans realize the fruits

of the Constitution they overwhelmingly voted for.

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Declaration of Closure

And now with those few remarks, it is my singular honour

and pleasure to declare the University of Nairobi 100 Days

RRI programme on the “Role of the UON in the Implementation

of the Constitution of Kenya 2010” formally closed.

Thank you All and May God Bless You;

MUMO MATEMU,MBS

CHAIRPERSON

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