- "We need a review of the IFMIS system to close loopholes, enhance user-ability and availability, and make it compulsory in processing payments," he added.
- He further noted that the automation of revenue collection will help safeguard embezzlement at source in both national and county governments.
Image: FILE
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has proposed strategic reform areas to help reduce the prevalence of corruption in the country.
Speaking during a joint forum with the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, CEO Twalib Mbarak noted that strengthening oversight institutions is a good start.
He listed the institutions as the EACC, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Judiciary and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
According to Mbarak, these are rendered inept and ineffective in discharging their oversight mandate by lack of resources.
He went on to propose areas in which the support of the JLAC is needed to enhance accountability in the public service.
These include increasing budgetary allocations to oversight agencies for effective prevention, recovery of corruptly acquired assets, prosecution and forfeiture of unexplained wealth.
"In order to enhance accountability and address the rot in public services, JLAC should support expansion to ensure government services are devolved and offered efficiently, effectively and in a timely manner," he added.
Secondly, Mbarak highlighted the issue of anarchy in land matters, which has been made clear by the increased incidences of land grabbing, the use of fake titles and evictions of genuine landowners.
He made three recommendations to deal with the issues, including reviewing the land laws to seal weaknesses that may be exploited by criminals and titling of public land to safeguard it from grabbing and re-grabbing.
He added that the government needs to support the automation of land registries.
The CEO also spoke on the cases of fake academic certifications, asking the government to create an online portal for ease of verification of academic certificates by employers.
He made two recommendations on the challenge of procurement irregularities, where he said there is a need to seal corruption loopholes by putting in place mechanisms aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency.
They include automation of procurement processes for ease of access and levelling the playing field to transact business with the government.
"We need a review of the IFMIS system to close loopholes, enhance user-ability and availability, and make it compulsory in processing payments," he added.
He further noted that the automation of revenue collection will help safeguard embezzlement at source in both national and county governments.
Mbarak said the law should be reviewed to ensure ministries, departments and agencies comply and implement anti-corruption measures recommended by EACC.
The forum was attended by members of the JLAC and Judicial representatives including Judicial Service Commission member Lady Justice Fatuma Sichale and High Court Judge David Majanja.