NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called on Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to strengthen its culture of integrity and professionalism, warning that corruption continues to undermine healthcare delivery, public trust and good governance.
The appeal was made on Friday during KNH’s Professionalism and Integrity Day celebrations, held under the theme, “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa.”
The event brought together EACC officials, KNH management and staff to promote ethical leadership and reinforce accountability in the country’s largest referral hospital.
EACC Highlights Importance of Integrity
Speaking during the event, EACC Director of Preventive Services Vincent Okon’go described integrity as the foundation of good governance and a key pillar in Africa’s anti-corruption agenda.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with both public and private institutions to strengthen sustainable integrity systems through corruption prevention initiatives.
Okon’go urged the hospital’s leadership and employees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in delivering healthcare services.
“Integrity remains the cornerstone of good governance and the realization of Africa’s anti-corruption aspirations,” he said.
Corruption Undermines Healthcare
The EACC director warned that corruption weakens healthcare systems by reducing service quality, eroding public confidence and compromising the rights of patients.
Referring to findings from the EACC Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025, Okon’go said the health sector requires sustained efforts to institutionalise corruption prevention measures.
He challenged healthcare workers to serve as role models both in their workplaces and within their communities by embracing ethical conduct in all aspects of their lives.
According to the Commission, strengthening integrity frameworks is critical to improving accountability and ensuring public institutions effectively serve citizens.
KNH Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability
KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Lesiyampe reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to promoting professionalism through transparent governance systems and accountable leadership.
He said the hospital continues to strengthen integrity by implementing merit-based recruitment and promotion, enhancing whistleblower protection mechanisms and providing continuous ethics training for staff.
Dr. Lesiyampe noted that integrity in healthcare is essential for safeguarding patients, improving service delivery and rebuilding public confidence in public health institutions.
He added that ethical leadership remains central to KNH’s efforts to provide quality healthcare services while maintaining public trust.
Staff Recognised for Integrity Training
The event also recognised members of staff who successfully completed EACC integrity training programmes.
Participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their commitment to promoting ethical conduct, transparency and accountability within the hospital.
The recognition formed part of broader efforts by both KNH and the EACC to embed integrity into everyday operations and encourage continuous professional development among healthcare workers.