Kenya launches civilian oversight committees against corruption

The Kenyan government on Tuesday launched nine District Civilian Oversight Committees, which Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki lauded as an important and innovative step in the fight against corruption.

The committees will monitor operations and activities of government functions and expenditure in areas such as finance, public works, health and education.

"We have truly achieved a considerable amount of success in the fight against corruption. However, it is evident that we need to do more. We need to remain vigilant and resolute in fighting the vice. And, we must broaden the fight by enlisting the support and participation of every citizen in our country," Kibaki said during the launch of the committees.

"They will be a critical battlefront in winning the war against corruption by involving ordinary citizens as voluntary and effective watchdogs of the public good," he said.

According to the president, eventually all the districts in Kenya will be covered by the committees, which will play a critical role in monitoring the use of funds, as well as resources allocated for payment of school bursaries, maintenance of roads, and implementation of HIV/AIDS programs.

"Besides playing a watchdog role, these committees are also expected to play an educative and advocacy role. Even as we seek to punish corrupt individuals, we must accord equal attention to the need to change community and societal attitudes and mindsets. These are largely to blame for the entrenchment of the culture of corruption in the past. " Kibaki added.

Source: Xinhua