The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has sounded an urgent alarm over what it fears could be a wave of fraudulent activities by county officials seeking to siphon public funds before the end of the financial year.

The commission warned that the final stretch of the budget cycle is often exploited by corrupt officials to push through irregular payments, settle fake pending bills, or divert resources meant for essential services.

Speaking in Kisumu during the opening of a high-level integrity workshop for Bungoma County, EACC Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi, who represented the commission’s CEO Abdi A. Mohamud, urged accounting officers and senior staff to uphold the law and maintain strict financial discipline.

“As we approach the closure of the current financial year on June 30, 2025, the commission is aware that, at such a time, corrupt public officials may hatch fraudulent schemes to loot public funds through fictitious payments or diversion of funds meant to pay legitimate suppliers,” stated Mohamud.

The commission cautioned that any official found to have participated in or facilitated unlawful payments would bear full responsibility.

In addition, the EACC demanded immediate cooperation from all government offices when called upon to provide documents for investigations.

“Let it be clear to all county officials that when EACC requests documents or information required for investigation, it is mandatory that the documents are promptly made available to the commission. Failure to do so amounts to obstructing the commission in the discharge of its mandate, which is a criminal offence under the law,” added Mohamud.

Ngumbi emphasised that corruption is not just about breaking the law but about violating public trust and depriving citizens of their basic needs.

“Corruption thrives where leaders who have sworn to serve the people betray public trust and become complicit in acts of theft of public funds. Every shilling stolen is a child denied education, a mother denied healthcare, and a community denied development,” he said.

The three-day workshop brought together top officials from the County Government of Bungoma, including County Executive Committee members, Chief Officers and members of the County Public Service Board.

The objective is to deepen understanding of ethical leadership, strengthen internal controls, and entrench transparency and accountability in public service.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who officially opened the forum, declared his firm support for the anti-corruption agenda and pledged that his administration would be guided by the values outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution.

“Let me be clear: there is no place for corruption, favouritism, or negligence in this administration. We must be bold in making difficult decisions that promote ethical governance,” he said.

While acknowledging the role of investigative agencies, Lusaka told his team that the war on graft must begin within county offices and be reflected in their day-to-day decisions.

“The fight against corruption is not the responsibility of investigative agencies alone; it begins with our own conduct, our decisions, and our leadership. This program brings together the senior-most staff in the County Government… Your individual and collective commitment to integrity will shape the future of Bungoma County for generations to come,” he said.

EACC’s five-point strategy to curb corruption includes asset tracing, thorough analysis of county budgets, integrity testing at service points, partnerships with other oversight bodies, and continuous civic engagement to increase accountability in public resource use.

As the end of the financial year draws near, the commission is urging all county governments to resist temptations to manipulate payments and instead focus on delivering services to the public in a transparent and accountable manner.