Michael Keter Sembele, the Integrity Assurance Officer (IAO) and Secretary of the Corruption Prevention Committee (CPC) at Geothermal Development Company (GDC) discusses GDC’s measures to raise awareness about corruption among staff and prevent it, highlighting the organization’s commitment to integrity and transparency. The steps and journey towards corruption-free GDC.
How do you define corruption within our organization, and what are the key forms employees should be aware of?
Corruption is the intended and planned abuse of a public office for private gain. Examples of corruption are; Bribery, fraud, embezzlement/misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, abuse of office, secret inducement for advice, deceiving the principal (employer), conflict of interest, bid rigging, insider trading, dealing with suspect property, failure to declare a gift.
Can you explain the reporting mechanisms in place for reporting corruption, including the channels available?
· Anti-corruption boxes in all regions.
· Comprehensive HRPP domesticates all anticorruption policies & best practices.
· Anonymous corruption reporting links on the GDC Website. · Anticorruption email: anti-corruption@gdc.co.ke.
· Reconstitution /revitalization of CPCs & IAOs.
· Public pronouncements by Top Management against corruption.
· EACC Annual PC targets- guided form of preventing corruption
· GDC Anti-corruption Hotline platform (0716888343).
· Access to external anti- corruption reporting channels/agencies.
How does the organization ensure the protection of whistle-blowers and what measures protect whistle-blowers from retaliation?
GDC has pledged the following to ensure the confidentiality of whistle-blowers.
· Investigation Confidentiality: The content of investigations, including the identity of involved parties, will be kept confidential and can only be disclosed with the consent of the complainant.
· Identity Protection: GDC pledges to protect the identities of whistle-blowers, informants, and witnesses, respecting their decision to remain anonymous or not as required by the Witness Protection Act Cap 76.
· Protection Despite Findings: GDC will ensure the protection of whistle-blowers, informants, and witnesses even if, upon investigation, the allegations are found to be uncorroborated.
· Investigation Confidentiality: The content of investigations, including the identity of involved parties, will be kept confidential and can only be disclosed with the consent of the complainant.
· Identity Protection: GDC pledges to protect the identities of whistle-blowers, informants, and witnesses, respecting their decision to remain anonymous or not as required by the Witness Protection Act Cap 76.
· Protection Despite Findings: GDC will ensure the protection of whistle-blowers, informants, and witnesses even if, upon investigation, the allegations are found to be uncorroborated.
What proactive measures and training programs does the organization have to prevent corruption and promote awareness among employees?
· EACC Training of Integrity Assurance Officers and Corruption Prevention Committee –Biannual.
· Induction of new staff members and interns on GDC Anticorruption members.
· Sensitizations during departmental & Divisional meetings Whistle-Blowinging Policy on the GDC Website
· Top Management pronouncements against corruption and Bribery
· Connect platforms
· Participation in International Anti-corruption Week.
