Editor's Review

JKIA and KRA are among the eight hotspots for corrupt dealings. 

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has revealed a concerning pattern of corruption in several key public institutions between 2023 and 2024. 

According to the latest report, eight government agencies 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.

File image of EACC Chairperson David Oginde

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 has received 5,000 complaints, with a significant number implicating families and professionals in corruption schemes. 

Out of the 5,000 complaints received, investigations are currently ongoing for 534 cases, with 25 cases classified as high-impact. 

Meanwhile, investigations on 126 cases have been completed. 

In terms of legal proceedings, 221 criminal cases are still pending in court, 45 cases have been finalized, 12 individuals have been convicted, 24 individuals have been acquitted, and 9 cases have been withdrawn.