Continued backlash against the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) will not deter it from performing its duties, EACC Commissioner Prof Jane Onsongo has said.
Speaking after opening a workshop for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Integrity Committee in Nakuru on Monday, Onsongo said that despite receiving negative publicity, EACC will strive to fulfil its mandate of fighting corruption.
She confirmed that the commission has received a vacation notice for its current location adding that there are issues surrounding the property adding that the commission is still investigating the same.
Prof Onsongo said that when investigations are completed the commission will make the necessary decision which may include looking for alternative premises.
She noted that corruption fights back in many ways and those who engage in the vice may always find ways of “burying their heads in the sand”
On training, Onsongo said that EACC has undertaken several capacity building programmes for various institutions which she noted will go a long way in helping fight corruption.
She said that such training for KWS is essential, considering that proceeds from wildlife contribute to 25 per cent of the national economy.
The commissioner said that this will facilitate sealing of loopholes where the government would otherwise lose a lot of revenue.
At the same time, the warden in charge of Lake Nakuru National Park Dickson Ritan said that KWS will continue to partner with EACC to fight corruption.
He added that poaching and human-wildlife conflicts have reduced significantly at the park since last year.
Ritan attributed this to hiring of more anti-poaching officers as well as translocation of some animals from the park.
"For almost a year now, we have not had incidences of poaching because we have beefed up security in and around the park. The animal population is on the upward trend and tourists are liking it and they are coming in good numbers," said Ritan.