EACC Chairperson Urges Accountants to Uphold Integrity and Reject Corruption

EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde has called on accountants and other professionals to uphold integrity and reject corruption, warning that their expertise is being exploited to facilitate sophisticated economic crimes. Addressing delegates at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) Annual Seminar in Mombasa, Dr. Oginde emphasized that integrity begins with individual choices and must be reflected in everyday professional conduct. He made the remarks as the Chief Guest at the seminar.

Dr. Oginde expressed concern over the involvement of professionals, including accountants, in corrupt practices, noting that their technical expertise and specialized knowledge can make such offenses particularly difficult to detect and investigate. He observed that the expertise of professionals can be used to facilitate complex crimes, making them harder to crack. The Chairperson emphasized that accountants have a critical role in safeguarding financial accountability and preventing corruption.

Dr. Oginde highlighted that integrity is demonstrated through practical decisions, such as refusing to manipulate figures, standing by uncomfortable findings, and not compromising independent judgment. He challenged Kenyans to examine their choices when confronted with opportunities for personal gain, noting that many people understand that corruption is wrong but often fail to uphold their moral convictions when personal interests are at stake.

The EACC Chairperson also warned against the culture of silence surrounding corruption, emphasizing that failure to speak out against wrongdoing allows unethical conduct to persist. He called for greater moral courage among professionals and members of the public, noting that meaningful societal transformation requires individuals who are prepared to confront wrongdoing regardless of who is involved.

Dr. Oginde challenged Kenyans to rethink their aspirations for the country, urging them to build a nation whose institutions, values, and opportunities attract people from across the world. He posed a question, asking why Kenyans cannot build their country to the extent that foreigners would want to live there, just like Americans have built their country.

ICPAK Chairperson CPA Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to working with EACC in the fight against corruption, declaring that the professional body would not provide a hiding place for corruption. She underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between ICPAK and EACC in promoting integrity, accountability, and good governance within the accounting profession.

The ICPAK Annual Seminar, held in Mombasa from November 9 to 13, 2026, brought together accounting professionals and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the profession. The Commission, through its continued engagement with professional bodies such as ICPAK, seeks to strengthen institutional collaboration, promote ethical leadership, and entrench a culture of integrity.

Key points

• EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde urges accountants to uphold integrity and reject corruption.
• Professionals, including accountants, are increasingly being exploited to facilitate sophisticated economic crimes.
• ICPAK commits to working with EACC to promote integrity, accountability, and good governance within the accounting profession.