MOMBASA, Kenya- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson Dr David Oginde has challenged accountants and other professionals to uphold integrity and reject corruption, warning that specialised expertise can be used to facilitate complex economic crimes.
Speaking as chief guest at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya Annual Seminar in Mombasa, Dr Oginde said the fight against corruption must be anchored in personal choices made by professionals every day.
“Integrity is not enforceable – it is a personal choice,” he told delegates.
The EACC chairperson said accountants, auditors and other financial professionals occupy critical positions in institutions, where their decisions can either strengthen accountability or create room for wrongdoing.
He expressed concern that technical knowledge can be misused to conceal corrupt dealings, manipulate financial records and make economic crimes difficult for investigators to uncover.
“The wickedness that’s done by professionals is professionally done. It’s not an easy crime for the Commission to crack,” Dr Oginde said.
Integrity in everyday professional choices
Dr Oginde said integrity is not an abstract value but a practical commitment demonstrated in the workplace.
He cited the accountant who refuses to manipulate figures, the auditor who stands by uncomfortable findings and the professional who protects independent judgement even under pressure.
“Integrity is reflected in the accountant who refuses to manipulate figures, the auditor who stands by uncomfortable findings and professionals who will not compromise independent judgement,” he said.
The EACC chairperson further challenged Kenyans to assess their actions when faced with opportunities for personal gain, saying many people understand that corruption is wrong but often abandon that conviction when they stand to benefit.
According to Dr Oginde, the challenge is not merely a lack of awareness about corruption, but a failure by individuals to remain faithful to their moral values when those values are tested.
He also warned against the culture of silence around corruption, saying failure to confront wrongdoing allows unethical conduct to thrive.
“If we keep silent about wrongdoings, then evil will perpetuate,” he said.
Dr Oginde urged professionals and the public to demonstrate moral courage by speaking out and standing against corruption regardless of the people involved.
“Men and women who ultimately transform society have moral courage – they stand up against anyone who wants to do wrong,” he said.
ICPAK pledges support for anti-corruption efforts
ICPAK Chairperson CPA Prof Elizabeth Kalunda reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to working with EACC to promote integrity, accountability and good governance in the accounting profession.
Prof Kalunda said ICPAK would not provide a hiding place for corruption and pledged stronger collaboration with the Commission in efforts to prevent and combat financial wrongdoing.
She further said the institute would present a report at the next summit detailing progress made by its members in promoting ethical conduct, integrity and good governance.
The ICPAK Annual Seminar, held in Mombasa from November 9 to 13, brought together accountants and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the profession.
Dr Oginde said Kenya must aspire to build institutions and opportunities strong enough to attract people from other countries, rather than producing citizens who believe their best prospects lie elsewhere.
“If Americans built their country to the extent we want to go there, why can’t we build Kenya so that the Americans, Singaporeans and other foreigners would want to come and live here?” he posed.
The EACC chairperson said defeating corruption requires more than investigations and enforcement, insisting that lasting change will depend on professionals and citizens consistently choosing what is right.
