The State Prosecutor, Noordin Haji has appealed to parliament for more funding. He cited that the current allocation of Ksh 3 billion for the 2019/2020 financial year was not sufficient to guarantee results.
DPP Noordin Haji shared that to effectively counter the corruption menace, he needs about 4.95 billion shillings.
After appearing before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on Monday, the ODDP shared that they need 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.
Haji’s sentiments were echoed by the Public Prosecutions Secretary Dorcas Oduor, who opined that allocation was critical.
“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,” Haji shared.
The DPP wants improved remuneration of staff and the hiring of competent external prosecutors where expertise is required.
“Judiciary staff earn 4 times more than us… My deputy earns the salary of Senior Resident Magistrate,” noted Haji.
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.
“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 revealed.
The State Prosecutor also defended his stellar performance with cases tabled to him. He further clarified that he’s managed to make headway in several of those cases with sufficient evidence to mount successful prosecutions.
His record shows he’s registered 22 convictions from 88 anti-corruption cases involving Sh16.8 billion.