The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has been honored with the prestigious Financial Reporting Award (FiRe Award) for outstanding financial management and reporting for the 2023-24 financial year. This recognition, awarded by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), and the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB), highlights EACC’s dedication to maintaining robust financial controls and integrity in its operations.
The FiRe Award, now in its 22nd year, aims to promote excellence in financial management and corporate reporting across all sectors in Kenya. The award recognizes organizations that adhere to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity in their financial practices. For the EACC, receiving this honor reflects its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public funds and ensuring that its operations are conducted with the highest level of accountability and professionalism.
Joel Mukumu, the Director of Finance and Planning for EACC, accepted the award on behalf of CEO Twalib Mbarak at a ceremony held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on December 6, 2024. In his remarks, Mukumu attributed the recognition to the strong financial controls and the integrity of EACC’s staff. He noted that these factors have consistently enabled the Commission to receive a favorable audit opinion from the Office of the Auditor General. This achievement is particularly significant given the rigorous standards set by the FiRe Award, which assesses financial management and reporting across various dimensions including compliance with public finance management laws and regulations.
Mukumu emphasized that EACC’s success in receiving an unqualified audit opinion in the 2023-24 financial year was due to its stringent adherence to public financial management principles. He highlighted that the EACC recognizes its critical role in protecting public funds and is committed to leading by example in maintaining strong internal controls. “The commission will continue to uphold the highest standards in financial management,” said Mukumu, “ensuring that we comply with established public financial management and reporting frameworks. This award is not just a recognition of our work but also a commitment to the highest levels of integrity and accountability.”
The EACC, established under Section 3 (1) of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2011, is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of corruption and economic crime in Kenya. The commission operates with a mandate to ensure that public resources are utilized efficiently and transparently, and that ethical practices are upheld across all levels of government.
This FiRe Award marks a significant milestone for EACC, demonstrating the positive impact of its efforts in promoting good governance and ethical conduct within the public sector. It serves as a benchmark for other institutions, not only in Kenya but also across the East African region, highlighting the importance of stringent financial controls and transparent reporting practices in public administration.
As the EACC looks to the future, Mukumu noted that the commission remains focused on continuous improvement in financial management practices. “We will continue to refine our processes, enhance our systems, and invest in capacity building to ensure that we remain at the forefront of good governance in the public sector,” he said. With the FiRe Award serving as a testament to its achievements, EACC is poised to continue its role as a leader in financial transparency and integrity in Kenya.
The EACC’s recognition at the FiRe Awards not only acknowledges its success in financial management but also sets a standard for other public institutions to follow. As the commission moves forward, its commitment to strong financial controls and accountability will be critical in the fight against corruption and in safeguarding the public resources entrusted to its care.
