Governors on the Clock: EACC Sets 60-Day Deadline to Overhaul Records
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has instructed all governors and speakers of county assemblies to provide a thorough action plan for improving records management within a 60-day period.
In a memorandum addressed to counties and signed by Twalib Mbarak, the CEO of EACC, and acquired by PoliticalPulseChat, the Commission carried out a corruption risk evaluation throughout the counties. This assessment revealed vulnerabilities that could facilitate the growth of corruption.
In particular, the majority of counties and their assemblies depended on inadequate records management practices.
In the course of the activity, EACC identified 10 vulnerabilities that could facilitate corruption. These included the absence of policies and procedural guidelines for record management, as well as the lack of dedicated registries for streamlining the receipt and dispatch of mail.
The Commission also revealed that a majority of counties lacked experts in records management, utilized an inadequate classification system, and did not maintain inventories for records and associated assets, resulting in theft and the depletion of resources.
“Records are vital organizational assets that underpin transparency, accountability, and good governance. Additionally, good Records Management Systems ensure that accurate, complete and authentic records are created and are easily accessible for timely decision making,” the circular read in part.
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“Despite the critical role that records management function plays in the achievement of organizational mandate, it is notable that the accounting officers have not taken measures to institutionalize and integrate this function into the business systems and processes. Opportunities for corruption are manifested where document capture, tracking, control, maintenance, retrieval, storage and disposal systems are not structured.”
The EACC also revealed deficient methods in tracking, controlling, and retrieving information, absence of proper retention and disposal schedules, insufficient and overcrowded storage facilities, and a lack of effective planning and failure to streamline processes.
The Commission expressed worry over the bold absence of allocated budgets for record management in both counties and county assemblies.
“The purpose of this Advisory is to bring to your attention the above concerns which hinder transparency, accountability, and good governance in the conduct of public affairs and service delivery,” added the circular.
“Each County Government (Executive and Assembly) is required to develop and operationalize policies, procedures, and manuals to streamline records management.”
In August of the previous year, the Commission declared its investigation into 21 current and former governors who were alleged to have participated in corrupt activities.
Governors on the Clock: EACC Sets 60-Day Deadline to Overhaul Records
