By Aoma Keziah,
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) has affirmed its commitment to protecting whistleblowers and defending accountability within Kenya’s public institutions.
The statement comes in the wake of media reports that CPA Andrew Kipkirui Rotich, a senior auditor and long-serving ICPAK member, lost his position at the Social Health Authority (SHA) following a court-ordered review of the recruitment process.
Rotich, who joined the Institute in 2012, was among the auditors credited with exposing suspected irregularities in medical billing under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund, revelations that later informed law enforcement investigations.
While acknowledging that appointments and recruitment remain the responsibility of relevant authorities, ICPAK expressed concern that the exclusion of Rotich and two other deputy directors in the latest SHA shortlist risked sending the wrong message to professionals who champion integrity.
“If left unaddressed, such developments could discourage those who speak out on accountability matters,” stated Prof. Elizabeth Kalunda, Chairman ICPAK
She stressed that their mandate is rooted in the Accountants Act, extends beyond regulating members to safeguarding public interest. She highlighted a number of initiatives already in place to strengthen transparency, including the ICPAK Accountability Index, the Unique Document Identification Number (UDIN) system to curb fraud in the profession, and reviews of Auditor General’s reports.
The Institute further applauded recent efforts by the Head of Public Service to reinforce the role of internal audits across government, noting that these efforts align with the country’s zero fault audit campaign.
The ICPAK chair further urged the SHA and the Ministry of Health to ensure fairness, justice, and due process. They reaffirmed their support for Rotich, praising his professionalism and contribution to public service, while renewing its call for Parliament to enact a comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Act.
“Our profession thrives on integrity. Those who raise the alarm on misuse of public resources must be protected, not punished. We propose an independent review of SHA’s recruitment outcomes, safeguarding evidence linked to the case, and stronger legal protections for whistleblowers and their families,” Kalunda added.
In conclusion, the Institute reiterated its commitment to work with oversight bodies such as the Auditor General, the Controller of Budget, Parliament, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), disclosing that it will formally present its statement and action points to the EACC as part of ongoing collaboration to strengthen ethical leadership and public trust.
Mt Kenya Times