'No sacred cows in war on graft', Koskei reads riot act to public servants

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has told public officers they will be held accountable for corruption that occurs in their area of performance.

Koskei said there will be no “orders from above” and “no sacred cows” in the war against graft in government.

"It is important to note that the excuse of orders from above will not be acceptable as justification," he said.

He regretted that corruption has become deeply ingrained that it is even factored into the budgets of institutions, both within and outside government.

"Clean up your act and it shall be well with you. You have a civic and professional duty to say no to unlawful instructions. The law protects you," he said.

Koskei spoke during a meeting with administration secretaries, finance officers, heads of accounts, internal auditors, and heads of supplies chain management at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete.

"If all was going well in public service, the accountability systems in place, we would not be having this meeting," the Head of Public Service said.

"You all would be in your offices carrying out your daily duties and providing services to the citizens of this great nation."

Koskei said President William Ruto is keen to leave behind a public service that is performing, efficient, effective, agile and citizen-centric.

He said public servants are required to declare their wealth every two years.

He, however, said there is a difference between making a declaration and leading a lifestyle that surpasses the wealth declared.

"A lifestyle that cannot be supported by the wealth declared will attract intervention by the agencies that are responsible for corruption prevention and law enforcement. Do not be deceived. Once you become a person of interest, there will be no place to hide," he said.

He said the achievement of the country's development goals is dependent on how those in the Public Service manage the public resources entrusted to them by the citizens.

He added that the goal to transform the country is currently under threat from the pervasive and destructive vice of corruption that has permeated all sectors of government and public life.

Koskei said the President, faced with reality, has proclaimed that he will lead a deliberate, decisive and sustained war against corruption, and has taken a personal commitment to see it through.

He maintained there will be zero tolerance for corruption.