ICPAK REAFFIRMS UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN KENYA

 

ICPAK officials address the media in Nairobi, reaffirming their support for whistleblowers and calling for fairness in the case of CPA Andrew Kipkirui Rotich, whose removal from the Social Health Authority shortlist has raised accountability concerns.

By: Glad Tv Kenya reporter 

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting whistleblowers and upholding accountability, even as it raised concerns over the removal of CPA Andrew Kipkirui Rotich from his position at the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Rotich, a long-serving accountant and forensic auditor, was among officials affected by a court-ordered review of SHA’s recruitment process earlier this year. His name was dropped from the latest shortlist, a move that ICPAK says risks sending the wrong signal to professionals who speak out against malpractice.

A member of ICPAK since 2012, Rotich was part of the audit team that unearthed suspected irregularities in Kenya’s medical billing systemwork that has since fed into law enforcement and oversight efforts. ICPAK praised him for “consistently displayed professionalism” and urged SHA and the Ministry of Health to ensure fairness and justice in his case.

“The profession’s integrity rests on transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour. If such developments are left unaddressed, they may discourage professionals from speaking up on governance and accountability matters,” the Institute warned.

The accountants’ body stressed that its role, under the Accountants Act, is to uphold public trust by monitoring professional conduct and ensuring compliance with international accounting standards. It added that whistleblowers such as Rotich should not be left vulnerable, and pressed for the fast-tracking of whistleblower protection legislation.

Among its specific asks were an independent review of SHA’s recruitment outcomes, protection of audit evidence, and enhanced security for whistleblowers and their families. ICPAK also pledged to formally present its concerns and recommendations to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

In recent years, the Institute has introduced accountability measures, including an Accountability Index to evaluate how public resources are used, a Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN) to weed out impostors, and ongoing reviews of Auditor General’s reports for national and county entities.

ICPAK said it remains dedicated to promoting strong governance, working closely with oversight institutions such as the National Treasury, Parliament, Controller of Budget and Auditor General to strengthen Kenya’s financial integrity.

“Our commitment extends beyond regulating the profession we are active partners in the fight against corruption,” the Institute stated. “This includes protecting whistleblowers, upholding fairness, and ensuring that ethical accountants are never punished for serving the public interest.”