Kenya's government has ordered all procurement and accounting officers in all ministries and state-owned corporations to leave their offices for fresh screening as President Uhuru Kenyatta's government attempts combat endemic corruption.

A statement signed by Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka said Monday the officers are to submit personal information including their assets, liabilities and previous record of service. Njoka said he does not know how many officers will be affected, but some experts say that more than 500 officials will have to step away from their jobs and submit to new scrutiny.

Kenyatta has been under pressure to curb rampant corruption that has been exposed in several articles in the local press. The government is estimated to have lost billions of dollars to corruption.