Public officers have been warned against using publicly funded projects and programmes to promote personal, political or partisan interests by branding them with their names, images, portraits or political party symbols.
In a notice on Tuesday, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said the practice amounts to abuse of office, misuse of public resources, and unethical conduct, contrary to the Constitution, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
The EACC said it had received reports indicating that some political leaders have been branding public-funded projects and programmes with their personal names, images and symbols.
The Commission said that while recognising public service was important, public resources should not be used to advance individual or political interests.
“While recognition of public service is important, branding of publicly funded projects and programmes with the identities of political office holders amounts to abuse of office, misuse of public resources and unethical conduct contrary to Articles 10, 73 and 75, 201 (d) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, Public Finance Management Act, 2012 and the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012,” the Commission said.
The anti-graft agency said the Constitution provides clear guidelines on leadership and integrity, requiring State and public officers to put public interest ahead of personal or political gain.
It added that public officers are required to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of public resources and maintain high standards of integrity while carrying out their duties.
EACC directed State and public officers to stop using public resources to promote personal, political or partisan interests.
The Commission also instructed public entities to ensure that public projects and programmes do not carry the names, images, portraits or symbols of serving State or public officers, political leaders or political parties before commencement, during implementation or after completion.
The agency said that where recognition of a project is required, it should only show the responsible government entity and clearly indicate whether the project or programme is supported by the National or County Government.
“The relevant implementing public entities or agencies to ensure that where recognition is necessary, it must only reflect the responsible government entity and clearly indicate whether the project or programme is supported by the National or County Government, without including personal identifiers or portraits,” EACC said.
The Commission directed all State and public officers to strictly follow the advisory, warning that it would monitor compliance and take action against those who violate the directive.
“The Commission will closely monitor adherence, and violations may attract administrative or legal sanctions,” it said.
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