Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission have released a report on service Delivery Systems, Policies, Procedures and Practices at the Kenya Ports of Entry. “There are weaknesses in the service delivery at Ports of entry,” said EACC CEO Halakhe Waqo during the official presentation of EACC-Examination Report on Ports of entry in the country.
The scope of the examination covered various ministries and agencies operating at the Ports of Entry (POEs).These included the headquarter offices of Kenya Ports Authority, Department of Immigration, Kenya Revenue Authority among others.
The team also visited airports and border POEs: Namanga, Lunga Lunga and Malaba. The examination was carried out following complaints made by the members of the public and the media to the commission which alleged an existence of weaknesses, opportunities, and loopholes which facilitate corrupt practices at the POEs.
Some of the allegations leveled against the various ministries and agencies were bribery, tax evasion, smuggling of contraband goods, forging of inspection reports, clearance of illegal aliens and clearance of prohibited goods at the ports.
The systems examination was launched in 24th February 2015 and the exercise was carried out between March and May 2015. The examination brings out the various loopholes that exist at the Ports of Entry and contains various recommendations on how to remedy the weaknesses and strengthen the systems of work.
Inefficiencies and corrupt practices in various Ministries and agencies have affected the country and is currently the major threat to our economy.
Increasing the cost of doing business, loss of revenue ,insecurity and negative image of the country have all been brought about by the major loopholes in our agencies and of late human trafficking and terrorism have been linked to POEs.
Halakhe Waqo insisted that for the country to register gains and sustain an impressive economic standing, “Officers working in the various institutions at ports of entry are expected to observe honesty and integrity and act with care and diligence in using the resources allocated.”
The affected institutions were asked to implement the recommendations made and develop Implementation Plan within four weeks.