EACC hosts Ethics and Integrity Training for Internal Auditors
26:09:2024: Internal auditors are the latest beneficiaries of the ethics and integrity training. Organised by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in collaboration with the Institute of Internal Auditors Kenya (IIAK) and the Office of the Internal Auditor General, the program aims to bolster the fight against corruption within the public service.
The training directly responds to the EACC’s 2023 National Survey on Corruption and Ethics findings, which highlighted widespread corruption and unethical practices in the civil service. The initiative seeks to empower internal auditors with the necessary skills to detect and prevent fraud, evaluate internal controls, monitor compliance, and enhance program performance audits.
Speaking at the training at Machakos University in Machakos County, IIAK CEO Dr Joyce Omina urged internal auditors to support the program and emphasized their role as the first line of defence in the fight against corruption.
“Our collaboration with the EACC is designed to integrate ethics, integrity, and anti-corruption measures into the profession. We trust that all internal auditors will back this initiative and gain valuable insights from the training,” she said.
EACC Deputy Director of Education and Public Awareness Dr Emily Mworia emphasized internal auditors’ critical role in promoting good governance and safeguarding public resources by addressing corruption risks through ethics and integrity training. She commended the leadership of IIAK and the Internal Auditor General for organizing the training and encouraged participants to integrate ethical principles into their professional responsibilities to support Kenya’s broader anti-corruption efforts.
The training comes as the government implements the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and guidelines for Corruption Prevention Committees in both national and county governments. Dr. Mworia urged internal auditors to remain objective, impartial and committed to upholding public interest while calling for continued partnerships with institutions to strengthen the fight against corruption.
“Internal auditors are expected to be at the forefront of safeguarding public resources and acting as agents of positive change, upholding national values such as integrity and patriotism, in line with constitutional obligations,” she said.
The Internal Auditor General, CPA Jane Micheni also attended the training and provided a brief overview of the role of internal audits in public service.
Additional phased training sessions, aimed at all internal auditors in public service, including those in county governments, are planned to take place throughout the financial year.
