Institutions must make accountability part of their daily operations, Prof Kivutha Kibwana said. They should also assess the integrity of their leaders, The Standard reported. Kibwana, Chancellor of International Leadership University-Kenya, spoke on October 30 at the 15th Champions of Governance Awards gala dinner in Nairobi.
The former Makueni Governor said organisations should consider individual character, including that of employees, when judging performance. Character should also count when deciding who is fit for responsibility, he said. He called for stronger institutional accountability and ethical leadership.
Kibwana urged the Institute of Certified Secretaries (ICS) and its partners to strengthen institutions' capacity to serve. He said they should "make accountability practical".
ICS used the annual event to recognise organisations and individuals for their governance practices. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was among the institutions recognised, The Standard reported. The ceremony brought together organisations from several sectors of the economy.
Organisations are judged on board effectiveness, ethical leadership, accountability and risk management. Transparency and disclosure, legal compliance, stakeholder relations and performance management also count. Each organisation first assesses itself. Governance audit consultants then carry out independent reviews, and an independent jury makes the final decision.
This year's awards covered banking and finance, public sector entities, co-operatives and SACCOs, education and county public services. Agriculture and water, pension management, listed entities, SMEs and membership bodies were also included. Individual honours included Chief Executive Officer of the Year, Chairperson of the Year and Corporate Secretary of the Year.