SEEJ-AFRICA Note: Regrettably, the Kenya Wildlife Service is not immune to the integrity concerns that plague the government of Kenya, its public service, parastatals, and the criminal justice system. Let this report be a reminder and a tribute all those within the KWS who have resisted the greed, corrupted ‘colleagues’, internal pressures, coercion, weaponised transfers, to continue in their duty to wildlife, their country, and their service. You are to be applauded and we thank you for your continued loyal and dedicated service.
Koskei talks tough on alleged graft at KWS, puts officers on notice
November 29th, 2023 : Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Wednesday sounded a warning to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers abetting corruption in their jurisdictions.
Koskei who was addressing staff after a familiarisation tour to the KWS headquarters at the Nairobi National Park said they are focused on weeding out greedy individuals that have continued to damage the nation’s image and public service standards.
This, he noted, will ensure prudent and economic use of public resources.
“Let us be satisfied with what we are getting and resist corruption at all. Let us not abuse the trust that we have been given by the people,” he quipped.
The chief of staff said it was regrettable that the country has over the years continued to lose its treasured heritage as a result of corrupt officers.
Corruption within the KWS, he pointed out, is evidenced by the increasing poaching, snaring, wildlife trafficking, illegal wildlife trade, encroachment of wildlife habitats, forest and even wildlife poisoning.
According to Koskei, this is often facilitated by corrupt officers within or without KWS but within the public service.
He at the same time told those in procurement and finance departments to stick to the laid down procedures and avoid any attempts of undue bribery to influence the award of tenders.
Such acts, he noted, have led to projects stalling, poor quality infrastructure, collapsing bridges and buildings, degraded forests, stolen or misallocated funds and poor service delivery.
“We are firm on this, we have said we cannot accept to have an enterprise within an institution anymore,” said Koskei.
He emphasised that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to ending corruption by ensuring the serviced other state agencies adhere to good governance practices.
Earlier on, Koskei laid a wreath at the Conservation Heroes’ monument at the park and also held a meeting with the board members.
He was accompanied by Wildlife Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya, KWS Board of Trustees chairman Walter Koipaton and KWS Director General Erustus Kanga among other senior officials.
