Ethics Commission for Co-operative Societies (ECCOS) has Mary Njeri Mungai, a former Commissioner for Co-operative Development, as its new chairperson.
This appointment has been made by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock Development, Fisheries and Co-operatives Peter G. Munyain the latest gazette notice of 8th January 2021.
Who is Mary Mungai
Mrs Mungai was appointed as the first lady Commissioner for Co-operative Development in the State Department for Co-operatives on 7th December 2016. She retired upon attaining the retirement age in the civil service, after serving for three years.
CS Munya has also appointed five other individuals as members of ECCOS for three years, with effect from January 5th, 2021.
New members of ECCOS
These ECCOS board members include Daniel O. Marube, CEO of Co-operative Alliance of Kenya(CAK), Georgina M. Malombe, Dr Edward Mungai, Mrs Nuru Mugambi of Kenya Bankers Association(KBA) and Jeremiah Were.
Although the Ethics Commission for Co-operative Societies(ECCOS) collects wealth declaration forms from societies, it has remained moribund and toothless as officers continue to loot societies.
Other functions of ECCOS include investigation on any matter that in the Commission’s opinion raises suspicion or any conduct that constitutes a breach of integrity is about to occur in a society.
Although this Ethics Commission is in place, many players in the co-operatives industry told this publication that the Commission is yet to move into action even after drafting a new code of conduct.
A spot check by Kenyan Wallstreet has revealed a lack of awareness among a cross-section of Sacco officials concerning this Commission’s existence or even its mandate.
A glimpse into the state department’s website for co-operatives reveals that while the team’s mandate had long expired, it has taken time for CS Munya to reconstitute this Commission, until now.
The latest report from the Auditor General, on the State Department for Co-operatives-covering financial year ended 30th June 2019 has interesting revelations.
Auditor General’s report
While the state department says in completed three investigations on mismanagement involving Kikuyu Dairy, Riverside SACCO and Rumukia Farmers C0-operative Society, the Auditor’s report.
Tabled in parliament on 15th October 2020, this report does not provide details on actions that ECCOS took against those officials found guilty in these cases.
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