Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson Dr David Oginde has challenged accountants and other professionals to uphold integrity and resist corruption, warning that professional expertise is increasingly being exploited to facilitate sophisticated forms of economic crime.
Addressing delegates as the Chief Guest at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) Annual Seminar in Mombasa, Dr Oginde emphasised that integrity begins with individual choices and must be reflected in everyday professional conduct.
“Integrity is not enforceable it is a personal choice,” he said.
The Chairperson expressed concern over the involvement of professionals, including accountants, in corrupt practices, noting that their technical expertise and specialised knowledge can make such offences particularly difficult to detect and investigate.
“The wickedness that’s done by professionals is professionally done. It’s not an easy crime for the Commission to crack,” he observed.
He challenged accountants to recognise their critical role in safeguarding financial accountability and preventing corruption. Their professional responsibilities, he noted, place them in a position where they can either protect the integrity of institutions or facilitate wrongdoing.
Integrity, he explained, is demonstrated through practical decisions: the accountant who refuses to manipulate figures, the auditor who stands by uncomfortable findings and the professional who will not compromise independent judgement.
“Integrity is reflected in the accountant who refuses to manipulate figures, the auditor who stands…
