According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), to succeed in the fight against corruption, institutions mandated with the fight must be strengthened so that all corruption suspects are brought to book in record time.
To do this the office of the ODPP requires about Sh5 billion in the next financial year to carry out reforms in the public sector as well as hire competent staff to help with the war against corruption.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs, DPP Noordin Haji and Public Prosecutions Secretary Dorcas Oduor said that the allocation was critical.
To enhance the graft war, the DPP wants better remuneration of staff and the hiring of competent external prosecutors where expertise is required.
He also wants asset recovery expedited, witness facilitation, installation of technology to enhance electronic disclosure of documentary evidence, a review of existing laws, the purchase of extra vehicles and capacity building.
About Sh135 million is required to refurbish the former European Union (EU) offices in Upper Hill, where the ODPP will be operating from, as well as county offices.
Mr Haji is currently housed at the NSSF offices in the city’s Community area.
The facilitation of witnesses includes providing them with fare to attend court proceedings.
“Witnesses are not coming to court because they are not being facilitated, especially in rural areas where courts are very far. When they fail and the case stops or flops, the blame is always on the DPP,” Mr Haji said.