The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority has established a Whistleblowing Policy to address inappropriate behaviour at all levels of Sacco operations. The Authority is dedicated to using this Policy to promote good governance and cultivate an ethical organizational culture.
This policy applies to Board members and all employees. Adhering to the principles in this policy is a requirement for continued Board membership and service. Violating this policy could lead to the resignation of a Board member or termination of an employee.
Members of the public, employees, or Board members who believe that a Board member or employee has not acted in line with this policy can report the matter to the Board.
The policy is based on the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Article 10 of the Constitution upholds national values and principles of governance. It also considers Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity, the Public Officers and Ethics Act, 2003, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act, among other relevant laws.
According to SASRA, every Sacco Board member and employee has a personal responsibility to understand and follow the policy, including reporting any known or suspected breaches.
Under the policy, a whistleblower is a person who raises concerns about suspected misconduct, dishonest or illegal acts, or failures to act. This could include Board members, Authority employees, contractors, suppliers, voluntary workers, or members of the public.
Employees are encouraged to report any concerns to their immediate line manager as soon as possible. Depending on the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue, employees may also report concerns to any other senior manager or the Ethics Compliance Officer. Whistleblower reports can also be made to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chairperson of the Board, depending on the nature of the report.
The Board must ensure the availability of an independent party to receive reports that cannot be appropriately reported through the standard channels. This independent party might be the Commission of Administrative Justice or another party designated by the Board.
Board members are encouraged to raise concerns with the Chairperson of the Board or the designated third party for receiving such concerns. Members of the public can report concerns to the Commission on Administrative Justice, the designated third party, or the Chairperson of the Board or the responsible audit committee.
Those reporting suspected dishonest activity may choose to remain anonymous if they wish. The policy guarantees no reprisal against individuals who report violations in good faith. However, false allegations made with malicious intent will result in disciplinary action and legal consequences.
The Authority provides a secure box accessible only by the authorized independent party or the Ethics Compliance Officer to deposit anonymous written reports. The Board must ensure proper investigation by an independent and experienced team to protect the Authority’s interests.
In cases of financial impropriety or corruption, the government agency responsible for combating corruption will be engaged. This referral won’t prevent disciplinary action under the Authority’s procedures.
The Authority is committed to safeguarding whistleblowers from mistreatment, including ensuring that employees are not subjected to adverse treatment from colleagues due to their disclosure.
