Uhuru declares corruption ‘a national security threat,’ calls it a sin

President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared corruption “a national security threat” and urged the DPP, the EACC, the Judiciary, Parliament, the private sector and all Kenyans to “rally around the path of transformation”.

He further urged religious leaders to “declare corruption a sin against God and humanity” and help fight corruption on their front.

“It is my hope that with greater collaboration we’ll see more results on prosecutions,” he said.

Uhuru said he will “make it expensive for anyone stealing from Kenyans and denying them services they work so hard to receive from their government”.

“I will lead a national coordinated effort to bring together all arms of government to seal loopholes used by dishonest people,” Uhuru said.

“The National Intelligence Service should pursue information and intelligence on the corruption and bring it to my attention, and to the attention of the relevant investigating and prosecution bodies.”

In a the State of the Nation address on Monday, the President said there will be no increase in tax from any government agency and those wishing to do so must show “just cause” for raising their rates and the commensurate benefit.

“We in government should take care of your money before asking for more taxes. Before we ask for additional tax we must manage what we have well.”

“Any agency seeking to increase tax must indicate through my office the need to do so.”

This follows remarks by Treasury PS Kamau Thugge in August saying hiking taxes was the only way the government could raise Sh17 billion required to pay teachers salaries increment.

Uhuru further said any banks that engage in money laundering activities will lose their licences and directors will answer individually for their role.

This comes after Imperial and Dubai Bank were placed under receivership, both in a span of three months, amid allegations of cooking books and money laundering.

In his speech, the Head of State spelled out requirements for companies intending to engage with the government for business.

“Any company that wishes to work with the government must sign a Code of Ethics. Those who fail to obey the code will be blacklisted as companies and directors,” he said, adding that supply managers who deal with such will be held responsible.

He said introducing penalties and performance contracts will curb delayed provision of services and institutions involved in service delivery will identify services that can be provided faster at an extra cost.

“All supplying sub-standard goods will be banned from delivering their goods/services to government. Private sector suppliers who fail to meet deadlines will also be barred from future engagement with the government.”

• the-star.co.ke

Uhuru declares corruption ‘a national security threat,’ calls it a sin