Whistleblower Policy
Our commitment to protecting those who speak up. A safe, confidential mechanism for reporting misconduct, fraud, and unethical behavior.
Introduction
Speaking Up for Integrity
Achievo Limited ("we", "our", "us") is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. This Whistleblower Policy ("Policy") encourages and protects individuals who report suspected misconduct, fraud, corruption, or other unethical behavior.
We believe that speaking up about wrongdoing is essential to protecting our organization, our employees, our clients, and our reputation. This Policy provides a safe, confidential, and accessible mechanism for reporting concerns.
Purpose & Scope
The purpose of this Policy is to:
Key Objectives
- Encourage reporting of suspected misconduct, fraud, and corruption
- Provide clear channels for reporting concerns
- Protect whistleblowers from retaliation
- Ensure thorough and fair investigation of all reports
- Maintain confidentiality to the extent possible
Scope
- This Policy applies to all employees, contractors, consultants, partners, and volunteers
- It also applies to clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders who interact with Achievo
- Reports can be made about any individual or entity associated with Achievo
- This Policy covers all forms of misconduct, including but not limited to fraud, corruption, harassment, and safety violations
What to Report
Whistleblowers should report any suspected wrongdoing, misconduct, or unethical behavior. Examples include:
Reportable Issues
- Fraud, theft, or financial misconduct
- Corruption, bribery, or kickbacks
- Harassment, discrimination, or bullying
- Health and safety violations
- Environmental violations
- Data protection and privacy breaches
- Misuse of company resources or assets
- Conflicts of interest
- Violations of laws or regulations
- Gross misconduct or unethical behavior
Good Faith Requirement
- Reports must be made in good faith, with a reasonable basis for the concern
- Reports should not be made maliciously or with intent to harm
- You do not need to have absolute proof, but you should have reasonable grounds for your concern
- If a report is made maliciously, disciplinary action may be taken
Reporting Channels
We provide multiple confidential channels for reporting concerns. You may choose the channel you feel most comfortable with:
Internal Reporting Channels
- Direct supervisor or manager
- Human Resources Department
- Compliance Officer
- CEO or Senior Management
Anonymous Reporting
- Email: whistleblower@achievo.co.ke
- Phone Hotline: +254 705 982 897
- Physical: Confidential drop-box at Bellways Business Park No.18
External Reporting
- Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
- Office of the Data Protection Commissioner
- Relevant regulatory authorities
- Legal counsel
Confidentiality & Anonymity
We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of whistleblowers to the extent possible and legally permissible.
Confidentiality Protections
- Your identity will be protected and only disclosed on a need-to-know basis
- Information will be shared only with those investigating the report
- You may report anonymously if you prefer
- Anonymous reports will be investigated, but may be more difficult to follow up on
Limitations
- Confidentiality may need to be breached if required by law or court order
- If disclosure is necessary to protect someone from harm
- If the investigation requires disclosure to proceed effectively
- Where required by legal or regulatory authorities
Protection from Retaliation
We strictly prohibit retaliation against anyone who makes a report in good faith. This protection is fundamental to our commitment to integrity and ethical behavior.
What Constitutes Retaliation
- Termination, demotion, or suspension
- Harassment, intimidation, or bullying
- Unfair treatment or discrimination
- Threats or coercion
- Negative performance reviews without cause
- Exclusion from meetings or opportunities
Protections Available
- Protection from victimization and unfair treatment
- Reinstatement and compensation if retaliated against
- Disciplinary action against those who retaliate
- Legal remedies under applicable laws
Investigation Process
All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly, fairly, and thoroughly.
Investigation Steps
- Acknowledgment: We will acknowledge receipt of your report promptly
- Assessment: We will assess the nature and seriousness of the concern
- Investigation: We will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation
- Findings: We will determine the outcome based on evidence
- Action: Appropriate action will be taken based on findings
Timelines
- Acknowledgment within 3-5 business days
- Preliminary assessment within 10 business days
- Investigation completed within 30-60 business days
- Updates provided to reporter where possible
Outcomes
- Disciplinary action up to and including termination
- Recovery of losses or damages
- Referral to law enforcement where appropriate
- Policy or process improvements
- Closure of the case if no wrongdoing found
False or Malicious Reports
While we encourage reporting of genuine concerns, false or malicious reports will not be tolerated. However, we recognize that honest mistakes can occur.
Consequences
- Reports made maliciously or in bad faith may result in disciplinary action
- Individuals who knowingly make false reports may be subject to legal action
- Protection from retaliation does not extend to those who make false allegations
Policy Review & Updates
This Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in legislation, best practices, and organizational needs.
Review Process
- This Policy will be reviewed annually
- Feedback from stakeholders will be considered
- Changes will be communicated to all employees
- The latest version will always be available on our website
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or wish to make a report under this Policy, please contact us:
Phone
+254 705 982 897Address
Bellways Business Park No.18, Syokimau, Kenya
Anonymous Reporting
Anonymous reports can be made through our dedicated whistleblower email address. All reports are treated with the strictest confidentiality.
This Whistleblower Policy reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. It is aligned with the Kenya Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019 (KDPA). We encourage all stakeholders to speak up about wrongdoing and trust that they will be protected.