President Kenyatta on Friday ordered polygraph tests for government procurement officers.
He said all heads of procurement will undergo fresh vetting and lie detection tests to be concluded by end of June 30.
This came as the President intensified the war against corruption in the country.
In his Madaraka Day speech in Meru, Uhuru said that the vetting is part of the governments’ effort to rid the public service of graft.
The President also faulted the moral decay in the society saying it is the root cause of corruption among professionals in the country.
He took a swipe at all professionals, including journalists, saying they must all seize the moment and play an individual role for the country to overcome the evil.
“We know of teachers who impregnate students. Preachers who swindle their flocks. Lawyers who defraud clients. Architects building houses using shortcuts leading to collapse of such buildings. Doctors giving false diagnoses to increase their fees.”
“Pharmacies selling fake medicine. Journalists who blackmail people. Unfortunately, these crooks have become heroes. Too often, some of the worst rogues are welcomed back home like conquering celebrities,” Uhuru said during the Madaraka Day celebrations held in Meru on Friday.
He said leaders, parents, corporates, and individual citizens all have a role to instil honour among themselves for the country’s prosperity.
The President further urged members of the public to provide information to help nail perpetrators of corruption.