The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has underscored the urgent need for stronger partnerships to bolster fraud prevention, detection, and prosecution in Kenya.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for Certified Forensic Fraud Examiners (CFFE), EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, professional bodies, and private sector stakeholders in the fight against corruption.
Dr. Oginde stressed that corruption remains one of Kenya’s greatest challenges, undermining economic progress, public trust, and service delivery.
He noted that fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it imperative for anti-corruption agencies and forensic experts to stay ahead through technological advancements, specialized training, and inter-agency collaboration.
“We need professionals who are sharp-minded and well-equipped to counter fraudulent activities. Your training as forensic fraud examiners is not just a qualification but a call to serve— to see through deception, uncover hidden truths, and uphold justice,” Dr. Oginde told the graduates.
Harnessing Technology to Combat Financial Crime
One of the key themes at the ceremony was the rapid evolution of technology, which has provided fraudsters with new avenues to perpetrate financial crimes.
Dr. Oginde urged the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB) to continuously update its forensic training curriculum to address emerging fraud tactics, particularly those involving cybercrime and digital finance manipulation.
He also called on forensic fraud examiners to be relentless in their pursuit of justice, warning them against being compromised or used by corrupt entities. He quoted the famous saying:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Controller of Budget: Role of Forensic Examiners in Safeguarding Public Finances
Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, the Controller of Budget, echoed Dr. Oginde’s sentiments, emphasizing the critical role forensic fraud examiners play in protecting public resources.
In a speech read on her behalf by Machakos County Chief Officer for Treasury, Jacinta Masila, Dr. Nyakang’o noted that forensic fraud examiners serve as the first line of defense against financial misconduct.
“Your expertise will strengthen Kenya’s financial oversight, ensuring that public resources are used effectively and that accountability remains a top priority,” she stated.
She reaffirmed that the Office of the Controller of Budget (OCOB) remains committed to promoting fiscal discipline, adding that collaboration between forensic experts and oversight institutions would enhance efficiency and transparency in public finance management.
Dr. Nyakang’o urged the new graduates to uphold the highest ethical standards and actively contribute to exposing fraud, strengthening financial policies, and enhancing accountability mechanisms.
DCI and Interpol’s Commitment to Fighting Economic Crimes
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), through Interpol’s Directorate for International Police Investigations, also pledged full support to forensic fraud examiners in tackling financial crimes.
DCI representative Ibrahim Jillo identified financial fraud as a key driver of corruption, emphasizing that forensic examiners would be instrumental in helping the DCI’s Forensic Document Examination Department (FDED) collect and analyze evidence for successful prosecution.
“The National Forensic Laboratory remains open for collaboration with fraud examiners to enhance evidence gathering and case development,” Jillo assured.
He stressed that cross-border financial crimes require international cooperation, and forensic examiners would play a crucial role in assisting Interpol and law enforcement agencies in tracking financial misconduct that spans different jurisdictions.
KASNEB CEO: Fraud Prevention Requires Continuous Learning
KASNEB CEO Nicholas Letting’ warned that both public and private institutions face growing risks from complex fraudulent schemes that threaten financial stability and organizational reputation.
“Certified forensic fraud examiners are critical in identifying, investigating, and preventing fraud. Their knowledge, ethical grounding, and investigative skills will determine the success of Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts,” he said.
Letting’ commended KASNEB’s role in upholding high standards of forensic training, expressing confidence that the new graduates would serve with professionalism and integrity.
He challenged them to become ambassadors of ethical financial practices, reminding them that fraud prevention is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, innovation, and teamwork.
Furthermore, he urged forensic fraud examiners to stay updated on emerging fraud trends, leverage modern investigative tools, and continually refine their expertise to counter evolving financial crimes.
Cybersecurity Experts Join the Anti-Corruption Fight
In a testament to the multidimensional nature of financial fraud, the Kenya Cybersecurity and Forensic Association (KCSFA) pledged to work alongside forensic fraud examiners to enhance investigations.
Vice-Chairperson Fredrik Wahome highlighted that the association includes:
- DCI Cybercrime Unit Officers,
- Legal experts specializing in digital forensics,
- Cybersecurity professionals specializing in digital fraud investigations.
“Financial crimes are increasingly digital. Cybercriminals are using advanced techniques to launder money, manipulate digital transactions, and hide financial trails. Collaboration with forensic examiners will strengthen our ability to dismantle these criminal networks,” Wahome explained.
A Call for Nationwide Collaboration in Fighting Corruption
The graduation ceremony marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts, as multiple stakeholders—from government agencies to private sector leaders and cybersecurity experts—joined forces to build a formidable anti-fraud ecosystem.
With institutions like the EACC, DCI, KASNEB, OCOB, and cybersecurity specialists aligning their efforts, there is renewed optimism that fraud detection, investigation, and prosecution will become more effective.
Dr. Oginde’s closing remarks captured the essence of the event:
“Corruption is not a distant enemy—it exists in our offices, schools, hospitals, and government institutions. We need bold, ethical individuals to confront it head-on. Kenya is counting on you.”
As Kenya continues to battle corruption, the role of forensic fraud examiners in uncovering financial misconduct, ensuring accountability, and protecting public resources has never been more crucial.
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