American Chamber of Commerce-Kenya Chapter (AmCham) President Mr Peter Njonjo at a past event. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
American business owners based in Kenya on Monday urged the
government to take action against companies that bribe public officials
to win contracts.
The American Chamber of
Commerce-Kenya Chapter (AmCham) offered to assist the government to
redraft the Business Code of Ethics to create a level playing field for
all.
“Immediate and coordinated action must be taken to
implement the Joint Commitment as agreed upon between President Uhuru
(Kenyatta) and the business community as corruption is a major hindrance
to the growth of the private sector and (denies the) government
revenue,” AmCham-Kenya Chapter President Mr Peter Njonjo said.
He
urged the Kenyan business community to support the initiatives laid out
in the Joint Commitment which seeks to outlaw undercutting deals that
has seen some companies win tenders despite quoting high prices that end
up hurting the taxpayer.
He said corruption was the
greatest obstacle to economic growth and development in Kenya as the
vice deters investors thus undermining the country’s global
competitiveness.
“We urge Parliament to pass the
private sector-championed Anti-Bribery Act which includes elements of
transparency and accountability found in the U.S. Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act, which for years has governed the way American firms
interact with foreign governments” he said.
Mr Njonjo
made the remarks during the launch of a working group that will focus on
responsible business practices, good governance and anti-corruption
among American-owned businesses in Kenya.
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