Kenya partners with IMF for anti-corruption audit

The Government of Kenya has entered into an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to conduct a comprehensive audit on governance and corruption within its institutions.

The move is seen as a critical step in securing additional funding from the IMF after pressure from international partners to address long-standing corruption concerns.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who announced the agreement on Monday, confirmed that he had signed off on the request on behalf of the government.

According to Mr Mudavadi, the decision to conduct the audit was voluntary, stemming from the government's resolve to tackle rampant corruption.

“We have requested a governance and corruption diagnosis on our own volition, and I signed off that request on behalf of Kenya,” Mr Mudavadi stated.

He explained that the diagnosis is aimed at addressing the recurring issues of corruption, which continue to undermine the country’s economic potential.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the audit would cover all government ministries, departments, parastatals, and other key institutions.

"No institution is exempt from this process," he affirmed, adding that critical sectors driving the economy would also be subjected to the review.

Mr Mudavadi emphasized the importance of conducting the audit, not only to fight corruption but also to create a more transparent and accountable system for managing public resources. 

He noted that the exercise would ensure that Kenyan citizens fully benefit from the taxes they pay, urging that the diagnosis is essential for moving the economy forward.

Public servants attempting to delay or obstruct the audit were warned by Mudavadi that their actions would not go unnoticed. 

“If anyone has intentionally slowed down the implementation of certain measures, the diagnosis will expose them,” he cautioned, signaling that there would be consequences for those caught in corrupt activities.

This partnership with the IMF comes after the financial institution recommended a thorough audit of Kenya's governance and corruption systems before releasing a Sh77.5 billion funding package. 

The IMF had earlier expressed reservations about releasing the funds following Kenya's suspension of a planned Sh346 billion tax hike, which was shelved after mass protests in June.

By undertaking this audit, the Kenyan government aims to restore confidence in its governance structures and meet the conditions necessary to unlock critical financial support from international partners. 

The anti-corruption diagnosis is seen as a key step in ensuring greater accountability and enhancing the country’s economic stability.