Koskei Exposes Private Accountants Helping Public Officials Steal Taxpayers’ Money

Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has accused private sector accountants of playing a major role in corruption, warning that the fight against graft should not focus on public officials alone.

Speaking during the 43rd Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) Annual Seminar in Mombasa on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Koskei said some private accountants actively help public officers steal public resources.

He argued that corruption often involves people from both sides, with private professionals helping public officials approve questionable transactions and cover up financial crimes.

Koskei challenged the accounting profession to take responsibility and help eliminate unethical members who damage its reputation.

He called on ICPAK to introduce tough disciplinary measures against accountants who knowingly manipulate files, facilitate procurement fraud, falsify documents, conceal irregular payments or help hide the theft of public funds.

“Any professional who knowingly manipulates files, facilitates procurement fraud, falsifies documents, conceals irregular payments, or provides cover for the theft of public resources must be treated as a rogue actor,” he said.

He also praised former ICPAK Chair Philip Kakai for his efforts to identify and remove unethical professionals, urging the current leadership to continue with that commitment.

ICPAK Chair Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda also called on public institutions and accounting officers to improve the way they handle audit recommendations.

She urged institutions to establish clear systems showing who is responsible for implementing audit recommendations, set firm deadlines and regularly inform the public about the progress made.

Kalunda said accountability should not be about hiding difficult audit findings but showing what has been done to address them.

She noted that public trust and the credibility of institutions were being tested as Kenyans continued to face a rising cost of living.

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