Integrity Awards 2023 – National Integrity Awards

National Integrity Awards 2023

Uzalendo Integrity Award

Whistleblower Integrity Award

Leadership Integrity Award

Transparency Integrity Award

Judicial Integrity Award

Uzalendo Integrity Award

Integrity Award for Acts of Integrity that demonstrate patriotism and courage by ordinary citizens with the possibility of mobilizing citizen action and emulation to bring about positive change. Recognizing individuals who made significant contribution to upholding integrity, through their pursuit for the adherence to the rule of law, protection of human rights and advocating of good governance.

Act of integrity	Individual significant contribution
Exposing corruption and demanding accountability from Uasin Gishu County Leadership in the Finland scholarships scandal. The action happened in August 2023 and involved parents and their children who had failed to travel to Finland and Canada despite paying money running into millions after the money was allegedly embezzled by Uasin Gishu County officials. The parents and their children have continued to demand for accountability from those involved in the alleged theft of funds through public demonstrations, media engagements and public forums. The parents and the children have demonstrated courage by their continued agitation even as they continue to face threats and resistance from the powerful individuals involved in the alleged theft. Following these actions, Uasin Gishu Senator, Jackson Mandago alongside three county officials have since been charged. They are accused of having conspired to steal over 1 Billion Kenya shillings from an account domiciled at Kenya Commercial Bank Eldoret registered under the Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund, meant for overseas university fees for students under the Uasin Gishu County Overseas Education Program.	Ms. Mercy Chebet Tarus has been recognised for her demonstration of courage, resilience and patriotism. She has demonstrated courage through her persistent call for accountability from the county leadership. She at one point bravely questioned Uasin Gishu County leaders for unapologetically arriving late for a meeting with the affected people. She has demonstrated resilience by not giving up on life even as she faced the hardships of having to forfeit her dream of furthering her studies. She has been engaging in productive work through selling porridge, mandazis and managing a salon shop in Kuinet, Uasin Gishu County. Her patriotism is demonstrated by being at the fore of agitating on behalf of her fellow citizens. She even called to order the county leadership noting that due to their late arrival to a meeting called to resolve the dispute, the elderly parents who had arrived on time were kept waiting for hours despite them being sickly and on medication.

Act of integrity

Individual significant contribution

Exposing corruption and demanding accountability from Uasin Gishu County Leadership in the Finland scholarships scandal. The action happened in August 2023 and involved parents and their children who had failed to travel to Finland and Canada despite paying money running into millions after the money was allegedly embezzled by Uasin Gishu County officials. The parents and their children have continued to demand for accountability from those involved in the alleged theft of funds through public demonstrations, media engagements and public forums. The parents and the children have demonstrated courage by their continued agitation even as they continue to face threats and resistance from the powerful individuals involved in the alleged theft. Following these actions, Uasin Gishu Senator, Jackson Mandago alongside three county officials have since been charged. They are accused of having conspired to steal over 1 Billion Kenya shillings from an account domiciled at Kenya Commercial Bank Eldoret registered under the Uasin Gishu Education Trust Fund, meant for overseas university fees for students under the Uasin Gishu County Overseas Education Program.

Ms. Mercy Chebet Tarus has been recognised for her demonstration of courage, resilience and patriotism. She has demonstrated courage through her persistent call for accountability from the county leadership. She at one point bravely questioned Uasin Gishu County leaders for unapologetically arriving late for a meeting with the affected people. She has demonstrated resilience by not giving up on life even as she faced the hardships of having to forfeit her dream of furthering her studies. She has been engaging in productive work through selling porridge, mandazis and managing a salon shop in Kuinet, Uasin Gishu County. Her patriotism is demonstrated by being at the fore of agitating on behalf of her fellow citizens. She even called to order the county leadership noting that due to their late arrival to a meeting called to resolve the dispute, the elderly parents who had arrived on time were kept waiting for hours despite them being sickly and on medication.

Whistleblower Integrity Award

Integrity Award for Acts of Integrity to expose and demand action on corruption resulting from acts of corruption which rob our collective gains as a nation to promote integrity, transparency and accountability. Recognizing individuals who made a significant contribution towards exposing and demanding action where there has been evidence of corruption leading to investigations, prosecution, conviction and/or recovery of stolen resources.

Act of integrity	Individual significant contribution
Exposed corruption, sexual harassment, and tribalism Flamingo Horticulture Kenya. The action happened in January 2023 exposing corruption, sexual harassment, and tribalism among other ails at Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd affecting over 2000 employees. Some of the issues reported included: massive sexual harassment where ladies had to offer their bodies sexually in exchange of employment, while men had to give bribes for them to get employment. The employees were also not supplied with Personal Protective Equipment and promotions were done on the basis of tribalism. Through a whistle blower report to the company’s headquarters in Stevenage, United Kingdom, there was an independent investigator at the farm resulting in disciplinary action and changes at the farm to improve the working environment.	Mr. Rodrix Okumu Nakhumwa, a resident of Busia County and a former employee of Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd which is an IBIS firm located in the Mount Kenya Region Timau in Meru exposed corruption, sexual harassment, and tribalism among other ails at Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd. Mr. Okumu made a whistle blower report to the company’s headquarters in Stevenage, United Kingdom resulting in an investigation at the farm and actions to address the issues reported. Mr. Okumu suffered from reprisal by some of those who he had exposed resulting in his contract being terminated and him losing his livelihood.

Act of integrity

Individual significant contribution

Exposed corruption, sexual harassment, and tribalism Flamingo Horticulture Kenya. The action happened in January 2023 exposing corruption, sexual harassment, and tribalism among other ails at Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd affecting over 2000 employees. Some of the issues reported included: massive sexual harassment where ladies had to offer their bodies sexually in exchange of employment, while men had to give bribes for them to get employment. The employees were also not supplied with Personal Protective Equipment and promotions were done on the basis of tribalism. Through a whistle blower report to the company’s headquarters in Stevenage, United Kingdom, there was an independent investigator at the farm resulting in disciplinary action and changes at the farm to improve the working environment.

Mr. Rodrix Okumu Nakhumwa, a resident of Busia County and a former employee of Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd which is an IBIS firm located in the Mount Kenya Region Timau in Meru exposed corruption, sexual harassment, and tribalism among other ails at Flamingo Horticulture Kenya Ltd. Mr. Okumu made a whistle blower report to the company’s headquarters in Stevenage, United Kingdom resulting in an investigation at the farm and actions to address the issues reported. Mr. Okumu suffered from reprisal by some of those who he had exposed resulting in his contract being terminated and him losing his livelihood.

Leadership Integrity Award

Integrity Award for Acts of exemplary leadership in recognition of responsibilities and conduct of leaders as espoused under Chapter Six and other provisions of the Constitution of Kenya and inspiring actions of integrity, transparency and accountability. Recognizing individuals who have shown exemplary leadership and standing in the society to bring about integrity, transparency and accountability. Also having not been in circumstances that would bring to question their being recognized for the particular action.

Act of integrity	Individual significant contribution
The actions for recognition under this category took place between 2019 – 2023. Kawangware Youth Paralegal Trust (KAYPAT) is a community based organisation registered in 2013. The members of KAYPAT have been instrumental in advocacy engagements on human rights and good governance promotion in Nairobi County. Through mobilising members of the community to do public petitions, memoranda and organising public sensitization forums, KAYPAT members have successfully championed for improved healthcare system at Riruta Health Facility; improvement of the education system and infrastructure in Dagoreti, Kibra, and Westlands Constituencies; construction of feeder roads and Salim Muthiora Road. KAYPAT members have submitted petitions, letters and memoranda in an effort to enhance transparency and accountability within their community. They have also held public forums resulting in the improvement of provision of services within Kawangware and its environs. KAYPAT through its membership has demonstrated exemplary leadership and standing in their community through initiatives to engage CSOs for the benefit of the community.	Mr. Michael Peter Oduor is the founder and coordinator of Kawangware Youths Paralegal Trust (KAYPAT). He is also a seasoned paralegal, human rights defender, governance expert, researcher, and a continuing student in Bachelor of Laws at Mount Kenya University. Since its establishment in 2013, KAYPAT with the leadership of Michael Peter Odour has been actively engaged in advocating for proper service delivery, social accountability, and access to justice in Nairobi. Michael has been a key grassroots mobilizer in Nairobi and has worked with many Civil Society Organizations including KHRC, IMLU, TI-Kenya, AFRICOG, Kituo Cha Sheria, e.t.c. Michael has been consistent in engaging with the CSOs to provide sensitization forums to members of his community that have resulted in brining desired support to the members of KAYPAT and the community. Through his leadership, KAYPAT was also able to participate in the inaugural Citizen Accountability Audit done by the Office of the Auditor General in 18 counties focusing on the Effectiveness of Public Participation in the Budget Making process. He has continued to promote advocacy actions for reforms to ensure meaningful participation of citizens in public engagements.

Act of integrity

Individual significant contribution

The actions for recognition under this category took place between 2019 – 2023. Kawangware Youth Paralegal Trust (KAYPAT) is a community based organisation registered in 2013. The members of KAYPAT have been instrumental in advocacy engagements on human rights and good governance promotion in Nairobi County. Through mobilising members of the community to do public petitions, memoranda and organising public sensitization forums, KAYPAT members have successfully championed for improved healthcare system at Riruta Health Facility; improvement of the education system and infrastructure in Dagoreti, Kibra, and Westlands Constituencies; construction of feeder roads and Salim Muthiora Road. KAYPAT members have submitted petitions, letters and memoranda in an effort to enhance transparency and accountability within their community. They have also held public forums resulting in the improvement of provision of services within Kawangware and its environs. KAYPAT through its membership has demonstrated exemplary leadership and standing in their community through initiatives to engage CSOs for the benefit of the community.

Mr. Michael Peter Oduor is the founder and coordinator of Kawangware Youths Paralegal Trust (KAYPAT). He is also a seasoned paralegal, human rights defender, governance expert, researcher, and a continuing student in Bachelor of Laws at Mount Kenya University. Since its establishment in 2013, KAYPAT with the leadership of Michael Peter Odour has been actively engaged in advocating for proper service delivery, social accountability, and access to justice in Nairobi. Michael has been a key grassroots mobilizer in Nairobi and has worked with many Civil Society Organizations including KHRC, IMLU, TI-Kenya, AFRICOG, Kituo Cha Sheria, e.t.c. Michael has been consistent in engaging with the CSOs to provide sensitization forums to members of his community that have resulted in brining desired support to the members of KAYPAT and the community. Through his leadership, KAYPAT was also able to participate in the inaugural Citizen Accountability Audit done by the Office of the Auditor General in 18 counties focusing on the Effectiveness of Public Participation in the Budget Making process. He has continued to promote advocacy actions for reforms to ensure meaningful participation of citizens in public engagements.

Transparency Integrity Award

Integrity Award for Acts of Integrity inspired by TI-Kenya’s work. TI-Kenya works with many stakeholders to promote integrity, transparency and accountability through its strategic objectives on: Citizen Demand and Oversight; Public Finance Management; and, Natural Resources and Climate Governance. Recognizing ordinary citizens who out of their interaction with TI-Kenya’s programmes have made significant contribution within their communities to bring about integrity, transparency and accountability.

Act of integrity	Individual significant contribution
The actions for recognition under this category are inspired by TI-Kenya’s engagements leading to the promotion of integrity, transparency and accountability within Machakos county. Through a project on Public Oversight for Integrity in County Governance in Kenya between 2017 – 2020, the Machakos team established a Public Oversight Committee which consistently highlighted issues of administrative concerns to TI-Kenya which required intervention from both the County Government and the National Government through their leaders. One of the issues that the Machakos Public Oversight Committee team identified was poor service delivery in Machakos Level 5 Hospital which was addressed through social accountability engagements supported by members of the oversight committee. Through a project on Promoting Democracy, Electoral Accountability and Leadership Integrity in Kenya undertaken in August 2021 – January 2023, residents of Machakos county participated in social vetting of candidates in the 2022 elections. The social vetting exercises resulted in holding leaders accountable and empowering citizens to make informed decisions in electing leaders of integrity. Through projects on Enhancing Service Delivery in Health And Education and Uwazi, Machakos residents have continued to support and participate in social accountability engagements leading to corruption cases under investigations and recovery of lost public resources including land such as the Chief’s Camp in Kamulu Sub-county.	Ms. Vexina Mueni is a community mobilizer and ToT working in Lower Eastern part of Kenya. For over 10 years, she has supported TI-Kenya engagements in Machakos County with both the community members and government officials. Her contribution towards the achievements highlighted in the projects implemented in Machakos county has been immense both as a technical person and member of the community. She offered her time, resources and knowledge on the community issues to support implementation of the projects resulting in her community benefiting from their engagement in oversight activities and promoting accountability and integrity in provision of public services and leadership in Machakos County and beyond. Vexinah sits in the County Gender-based violence(GBV) technical working group where she sits as the Chairperson. Further, she championed and led in resource mobilization to raise Kshs. 10 million to construct a GBV safe house and has in her tenure championed devolvement of the TWG at the sub-county level and the wards. This has enabled quick response, tracking, and referral mechanisms for GBV cases in her community. In addition, she has been the key link between her community members with TI-Kenya’s ALAC team in pursuing justice on corruption-related cases. This has created an impact and the community refers to her as “Mama Yao Mtetezi”. She is also a climate change champion, currently, she sits in Kenya’s climate change working group as the national gender convener and was nominated to sit at the FlloCCA program (Financing locally-led climate change Action) under the National treasury as part of the Monitoring team. She owes all these achievements in capacity building and training she has received from TI Kenya and other organizations TI-K referred to engage her including the IEA and ICJ.
Dedication and commitment to democracy and social justice in Kenya. The actions for recognition included: • Formation of Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative (TEAM) which has made significant impact in championing for human rights and good governance in Kisumu County and beyond. • Offering support in the establishment and growth of the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) platform which has been making a significant contribution towards securing our electoral integrity. • Support to anti-corruption efforts by TI-Kenya and other CSOs, oversight institutions and public entities in various part of the country. Through projects on Enhancing Service Delivery in Health And Education and Uwazi, Machakos residents have continued to support and participate in social accountability engagements leading to corruption cases under investigations and recovery of lost public resources including land such as the Chief’s Camp in Kamulu Sub-county.	Posthumous Recognition – George Collins Owuor Mr. George Collins was an extraordinary individual who dedicated his life to upholding the principles of Justice, fairness, and equality. His remarkable personality was not only a beacon of hope but also an unwavering force for positive change in his community. His tireless efforts and commitment to good governance have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those he encountered. He abhorred and fearlessly fought against corruption and worked to promote transparency and accountable governance through, TEAM, an organization he established and closely worked with TI-Kenya for over 10 years. His nomination was done by ELOG an election observers group that he closely worked with to ensure a transparent free and fair election in Kenya The judging panel considered George for a posthumous award in light of his record.

Act of integrity

Individual significant contribution

The actions for recognition under this category are inspired by TI-Kenya’s engagements leading to the promotion of integrity, transparency and accountability within Machakos county. Through a project on Public Oversight for Integrity in County Governance in Kenya between 2017 – 2020, the Machakos team established a Public Oversight Committee which consistently highlighted issues of administrative concerns to TI-Kenya which required intervention from both the County Government and the National Government through their leaders. One of the issues that the Machakos Public Oversight Committee team identified was poor service delivery in Machakos Level 5 Hospital which was addressed through social accountability engagements supported by members of the oversight committee. Through a project on Promoting Democracy, Electoral Accountability and Leadership Integrity in Kenya undertaken in August 2021 – January 2023, residents of Machakos county participated in social vetting of candidates in the 2022 elections. The social vetting exercises resulted in holding leaders accountable and empowering citizens to make informed decisions in electing leaders of integrity. Through projects on Enhancing Service Delivery in Health And Education and Uwazi, Machakos residents have continued to support and participate in social accountability engagements leading to corruption cases under investigations and recovery of lost public resources including land such as the Chief’s Camp in Kamulu Sub-county.

Ms. Vexina Mueni is a community mobilizer and ToT working in Lower Eastern part of Kenya. For over 10 years, she has supported TI-Kenya engagements in Machakos County with both the community members and government officials. Her contribution towards the achievements highlighted in the projects implemented in Machakos county has been immense both as a technical person and member of the community. She offered her time, resources and knowledge on the community issues to support implementation of the projects resulting in her community benefiting from their engagement in oversight activities and promoting accountability and integrity in provision of public services and leadership in Machakos County and beyond. Vexinah sits in the County Gender-based violence(GBV) technical working group where she sits as the Chairperson. Further, she championed and led in resource mobilization to raise Kshs. 10 million to construct a GBV safe house and has in her tenure championed devolvement of the TWG at the sub-county level and the wards. This has enabled quick response, tracking, and referral mechanisms for GBV cases in her community. In addition, she has been the key link between her community members with TI-Kenya’s ALAC team in pursuing justice on corruption-related cases. This has created an impact and the community refers to her as “Mama Yao Mtetezi”. She is also a climate change champion, currently, she sits in Kenya’s climate change working group as the national gender convener and was nominated to sit at the FlloCCA program (Financing locally-led climate change Action) under the National treasury as part of the Monitoring team. She owes all these achievements in capacity building and training she has received from TI Kenya and other organizations TI-K referred to engage her including the IEA and ICJ.

Dedication and commitment to democracy and social justice in Kenya. The actions for recognition included: • Formation of Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative (TEAM) which has made significant impact in championing for human rights and good governance in Kisumu County and beyond. • Offering support in the establishment and growth of the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) platform which has been making a significant contribution towards securing our electoral integrity. • Support to anti-corruption efforts by TI-Kenya and other CSOs, oversight institutions and public entities in various part of the country. Through projects on Enhancing Service Delivery in Health And Education and Uwazi, Machakos residents have continued to support and participate in social accountability engagements leading to corruption cases under investigations and recovery of lost public resources including land such as the Chief’s Camp in Kamulu Sub-county.

Posthumous Recognition – George Collins Owuor Mr. George Collins was an extraordinary individual who dedicated his life to upholding the principles of Justice, fairness, and equality. His remarkable personality was not only a beacon of hope but also an unwavering force for positive change in his community. His tireless efforts and commitment to good governance have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those he encountered. He abhorred and fearlessly fought against corruption and worked to promote transparency and accountable governance through, TEAM, an organization he established and closely worked with TI-Kenya for over 10 years. His nomination was done by ELOG an election observers group that he closely worked with to ensure a transparent free and fair election in Kenya The judging panel considered George for a posthumous award in light of his record.

Judicial Integrity Award

Integrity Award recognizing actions of progressive interpretation and application of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya and other provisions on National Values and Principles of Governance by the Judiciary to bring about integrity, transparency and accountability.
Recognizing individual judicial officers who have made significant contribution towards promoting the progressive interpretation of the Constitution to breathe life to provisions on our National Values and Principles of Governance, Leadership and Integrity to bring about integrity, transparency and accountability.

Act of integrity	Individual significant contribution
The High Court of Kenya BBI Judgment On Thursday May 13, 2021, a five-judge bench delivered a unanimous and very significant judgment pertaining to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). Below are some of the main findings from the court that support progressive interpretation and application of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya and other provisions on National Values and Principles of Governance: – That the Basic Structure Doctrine applies to Kenya. – That civil court proceedings can be instituted against the President or a person performing the functions of the office of President during their tenure of office in respect of anything done or not done contrary to the 2010 Constitution of Kenya. – That the President does not have authority under the 2010 Constitution of Kenya to initiate changes to the Constitution, and that a constitutional amendment can only be initiated by Parliament through a Parliamentary initiative under article 256 or through a Popular Initiative under Article 257 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya. – That the steering Committee on the Implementation of the Building Bridges to a United Kenya Taskforce Report established by the President is an unconstitutional and unlawful entity. – That Mr. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta had contravened Chapter 6 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, and specifically Article 73(1)(a)(i), by initiating and promoting a constitutional change process contrary to the provisions of the Constitution on amendment of the Constitution.	The High Court of Kenya BBI Five-Judge Bench On Thursday May 13, 2021, a five-judge bench delivered a unanimous and very significant judgment pertaining to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Act of integrity

Individual significant contribution

The High Court of Kenya BBI Judgment

On Thursday May 13, 2021, a five-judge bench delivered a unanimous and very significant judgment pertaining to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Below are some of the main findings from the court that support progressive interpretation and application of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya and other provisions on National Values and Principles of Governance:
– That the Basic Structure Doctrine applies to Kenya.
– That civil court proceedings can be instituted against the President or a person performing the functions of the office of President during their tenure of office in respect of anything done or not done contrary to the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
– That the President does not have authority under the 2010 Constitution of Kenya to initiate changes to the Constitution, and that a constitutional amendment can only be initiated by Parliament through a Parliamentary initiative under article 256 or through a Popular Initiative under Article 257 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
– That the steering Committee on the Implementation of the Building Bridges to a United Kenya Taskforce Report established by the President is an unconstitutional and unlawful entity.
– That Mr. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta had contravened Chapter 6 of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, and specifically Article 73(1)(a)(i), by initiating and promoting a constitutional change process contrary to the provisions of the Constitution on amendment of the Constitution.

The High Court of Kenya BBI Five-Judge Bench

On Thursday May 13, 2021, a five-judge bench delivered a unanimous and very significant judgment pertaining to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).