Kenya Gov't Officials Ordered to Submit their Social Media Details, Mpesa Transactions in Fresh Vetting Exercise

Heads of Procurement and Accounting Units in all State departments are set to undergo a fresh vetting process following their suspension on Monday.

The officials were asked to step aside with immediate effect, only two days after President Kenyatta declared they will be vetted afresh in the ongoing purge on corruption.

“All heads of procurement and accounts in government ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals will undergo fresh vetting including polygraph testing to determine their integrity and suitability,” said President Kenyatta during the 55th Madaraka Day celebrations at Kinoru stadium in Meru on Friday.

In a memo on Monday, Interior Ministry Spokesperson Mwenda Njoka asked the officials to hand over to their immediate deputies before leaving office.

“All heads of procurement and accounting units in ministries, departments, agencies and state corporations have been instructed to step aside with immediate effect. Before they vacate, they have also been instructed to hand over to their immediate deputies,” reads a memo from Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka.

“Further the officers are required to submit personal information to the Office of the Head of Public Service to be delivered by Friday, June 8, 2018 at Harambee House,” the circular continued.

Consequently, the officers have been given until Friday, June 8th to submit their personal documents and information in sealed envelopes to Harambee House by 5pm.

"Affected officers may be required to present themselves for oral interviews. All information submitted will be treated with utmost confidentiality," Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua said in the circular.

Among the information being sought by the State include; Kenya Revenue Authority PIN, ID card number, passport number, email address, and mobile phone number.

They are also required to submit certified copies of mobile money statements and those of their spouses for the last six months. Also required is personal Income Tax Returns and those for the companies or businesses they have owned for the last three years.

Other information include, social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), club memberships, and a list of their liabilities, including loans, mortgages, cumulative insurance policies, school fees and school accounts, chattels, guarantees and certified copies of bank statements.

"Whereas this exercise is geared towards determining suitability to continue holding public office in the public trust, and promote confidence in the public service, the same will be undertaken in fair and objective manner and due care and regard to officers’ rights," Kinyua assured.

"During the leave period, officers are not allowed to leave the country without requisite clearance by the Head of Public Service," he said.