Forensic and investigations expert joins Bowmans in Kenya

Companies are increasingly seeking professional support to strengthen internal controls and detect and act against irregularities. In response to clients’ needs in this area, Bowmans Kenya is strengthening its corporate governance and compliance services offering by making some key appointments, the latest being that of top ethics specialist Miriam Gaituri. Ms Gaituri’s appointment follows the appointments of Winnie Jumba and Kathryne Maundu and the establishment of Bowmans’ Corporate Services Practice in Kenya last month. ‘Miriam has earned national recognition for her contribution in the fight against fraud, corruption and general economic crime, and we are delighted to have her on our team as an associate director,’ says Richard Harney, managing partner of Bowmans Kenya. Ms Gaituri is a member of the National Anti-Money Laundering Advisory Board, having been appointed to this body by the President of the Republic of Kenya in 2018. Six years previously, she was nominated in the Top 40 Under 40 Women list, specifically for her part in combating fraud, corruption and other economic crimes. These accolades reflect her extensive experience in the integrity sphere since 2003, which are coupled with legal, accounting and forensic qualifications including a Master of Laws in Corporate Governance, an International Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering, and an LLB degree. Admitted to the bar as an advocate of the High Court in 2004, Ms Gaituri is also a certified fraud examiner, certified public accountant and certified arbitrator. During her career Ms Gaituri has held senior positions at KPMG East Africa, Safaricom Ltd, Bharti Airtel Africa and Ernst & Young. She has extensive experience in governance, risk and compliance in relation to audit, ethics and integrity, fraud and corruption, forensic investigations, due diligence, compliance and corporate intelligence, internal controls, corporate governance and anti-money laundering. ‘Such expertise is particularly relevant to business, especially considering recent changes in the legislative environment’, says Harney. ‘Previously, the law did not impose significant responsibilities on the private sector in the fight against corruption, but that has changed. Private entities and individuals now have express duties to prevent and report bribery, for example, necessitating access to proven forensic and investigative skills. Ms Gaituri is a leader in the field and our clients stand to benefit greatly from the expertise she brings to the firm’.