Uhuru: Firms seeking government tenders must sign code of ethics

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday said companies seeking to work with the national and county governments must sign an approved code of ethics.

According to Uhuru, the Public Procurement Oversight Authority (PPOA) shall disqualify companies that fail to comply with the code from conducting business with government for at least five years.

The Public Procurement Code of Ethics for Procurement Entities states that employees of procuring entities who violate the law or engage in unethical business dealings may also be subjected to disciplinary proceedings.

Found guilty

The President pointed out that the disqualification will apply to both business entity and its directors, adding that officials found guilty of breaching the code will further be de-listed from all business association.

"The Government will not engage in business with companies with blacklisted members and I call upon all the business association to comply with this requirement," said Uhuru.

As a measure to stop overpricing of goods and supplies above the prevailing market process at county and national levels, the President directed PPOA to embark on wide publication of its periodical price reference list for goods and services.

Similarly, as per the procurement laws, employees are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in their operations

Uhuru was categorical that graft was currently a threat to the national security and the economy, thereby putting millions of lives at risk.

He insisted that the Government would introduce compulsory and continuous ethics and integrity training at all levels of public services, a move which correlates with the PPOA laws which states clearly that training aid elimination of malpractices may arise due to ignorance of public procurement system.