PEOPLE’S ANTI-CORRUPTION SUMMIT: A CALL FOR EFFECTIVE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION MECHANISMS

Transparency International Kenya, in collaboration with AMWIK and other partners, hosted the “People’s Anti-Corruption Summit” at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, under the theme “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanisms: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption.” The event marked the 8th year since the declaration of July 11th as Africa Anti-Corruption Day and brought together diverse participants, including civil society representatives, religious leaders, media personnel, youth, and people with disabilities from various counties.

Sheila Masinde, Executive Director of Transparency International Kenya, officially launched the summit, which has been held annually for the past three years. The primary objective was to gather public views and solutions to combat corruption, a persistent challenge in Kenya. Transparency International, founded in 1999, is dedicated to promoting a transparent and corruption-free society through initiatives in good governance and social justice.

Throughout the event, various speakers shared personal experiences and insights on corruption:

• A participant from Mombasa highlighted a case involving the misappropriation of funds by a Member of Parliament during the 2019-2020 financial year.
• A Nairobi participant recounted how personal connections determined access to critical healthcare services, underscoring the pervasive nature of corruption.
• In Western Kenya, a participant described having to pay a bribe to obtain a certificate of good conduct for a job application.
• A Nakuru participant revealed how caregivers of children with disabilities are often forced to bribe teachers to ensure proper care.
• Celine Achieng from Kawangware, a human rights defender, emphasized the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing public spaces and services, particularly during protests against the financial bill.
• A Nairobi participant exposed how government-supplied medicines often end up in private pharmacies instead of public hospitals, forcing patients to buy medicines meant to be free.
• George Kamau from Nairobi highlighted the rising costs of education, calling for free education to ensure accessibility for all.
• Martin Ronala from Nakuru stressed the importance of public participation in policy-making, especially in health and reproductive policies.
• Michael Oduor from Kawangware, a champion of good governance, discussed the ongoing struggle to pass the Whistleblowers Protection Bill, emphasizing the importance of individual accountability.
• Samuel Mburu, representing the Alliance of Street Vendors and Informal Traders, spoke about the harassment and discrimination faced by street vendors, urging them to resist bribery.

The summit featured a strong call to action, emphasizing the need for evidence-based engagement, systemic changes, and personal integrity in combating corruption. Sheila Masinde expressed gratitude to all partners involved, including the USAID Usawa Programme, the Danish Embassy, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, the Association of Media Women in Kenya, and others. She highlighted the critical need for effective whistleblower protection mechanisms and ongoing efforts to enact the Whistleblowers Protection Bill.

Sheila Roquitte, Deputy Mission Director of USAID, commended the summit’s theme and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in combating corruption. Irene Kizito, Deputy Executive Director at the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, reiterated the council’s commitment to the anti-corruption fight, while Joseph Kimani, Good Governance Programme Manager at the Danish Embassy in Kenya, praised Transparency International’s vision for a corruption-free society.

Queenter Mbori, Executive Director of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), highlighted the role of media in exposing corruption and the challenges faced due to threats to press freedom. She called for the establishment of effective whistleblower mechanisms to support journalists and protect their sources.

The summit concluded with the launch of the National Integrity Action Awards 2024 by Sheila Masinde, who urged participants to continue the fight against corruption and submit nominations for the awards. The event underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in combating corruption, with a focus on protecting whistleblowers and ensuring transparency and accountability across all sectors.

By Victoria Masaya, Journalist, AMWIK Member