Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has disclosed that President William Ruto and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei have initiated a crackdown on officials using their private companies to run government projects.
Owalo, speaking on Thursday, September 11, emphasized that Ruto has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of any government official found engaging in such conflicts of interest. He noted that collusion between contractors and state officers has been a major cause of delays and stalling in public projects.
He explained that individuals in government must choose between public service and private business, stressing that double-dealing will no longer be tolerated. Owalo added that those illegally accessing funds through their positions will be forced to step down and face legal consequences.
The Deputy Chief of Staff further stated that the government is adopting new reforms such as e-procurement to curb corruption in the tendering process. According to him, some cartels are resisting digitization because it threatens their fraudulent dealings.
President Ruto recently warned that leaders opposing the new system must resign if they cannot align with his reform agenda. Speaking in Siaya on August 31, Ruto said e-procurement will introduce transparency by showing the true cost of government purchases.
He accused some officials of sponsoring negative media reports to discredit the system, linking it to alleged inflated spending. Ruto maintained that his administration will not be distracted by what he termed deliberate sabotage.
The president made it clear that any official unwilling to embrace accountability and transparency in government projects should leave office and seek employment elsewhere.
By Kenyans