KENYA : The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) latest report reveals a concerning pattern of corruption in several key public institutions in the Country.
Eight government agencies, According to the latest report, have been flagged as hotspots for corrupt dealings, with families and professionals being identified as primary enablers of the vice.
The institutions named in the report include the Kenya Revenue Authority (Port Health Services), Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the National Police Service, and the Ministry of Lands Registries.
Others are Kericho Referral Hospital, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) – Weighbridges, and Nairobi City County.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde highlighted a growing trend where public officials are using their family members as proxies to engage in fraudulent activities.
“We have observed an emerging pattern and trend where public officials are enrolling the members of their families; their children, wives, husbands and their relatives to be their proxies in stealing from the public,” he said.
In response to these alarming revelations, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud said the commission is set to take proactive measures to monitor and curb corruption in these institutions.
“We will be deploying our people in these institutions to be able to access the services these people give to the public, to find out what happens when a person approaches, for example, to pay for a license,” he stated.
The Commission revealed it received 5,171 corruption-related complaints during the Financial Year 2023-2024, marking an increase from the 4,932 cases reported in the previous year.
Out of these, 2,207 cases fell within its mandate, with 534 currently under active investigation and 221 already in court.
The EACC's annual report launched on Tuesday shows that bribery accounted for 42 per cent of the cases investigated, followed by embezzlement or misappropriation of public funds (13%), unethical conduct (12%), fraudulent acquisition and disposal of public property (11%), and other offences (22%).
During the period, the Commission referred 512 cases to other agencies, requested additional information on 167 complaints, and recommended the closure of 642 cases.
The EACC also obtained 1,546 search warrants and orders to inspect bank accounts, mobile money transactions, premises, vehicles, and vessels linked to suspected corruption and economic crimes.
In line with Section 35 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, the EACC forwarded 126 investigation files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
"Out of these, 104 cases were recommended for prosecution, eight for administrative action, and 14 for closure due to decision delays," the report noted.
The Commission also concluded 56 investigations into violations of Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012.
EACC chairperson David Oginde pointed out the need to address conflicts of interest in the public sector, calling for the enactment of legislation to manage the issue.
