This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
Kenya's war on corruption has taken a significant step forward with the release of the 2018 corruption survey by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The survey, conducted between November 16 and December 19, 2018, gathered data from 5,942 homes in all 47 counties.
According to the survey, the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government emerged as the most corrupt institution, with 47.5% of respondents indicating that they are most likely to experience corruption and unethical conduct in this ministry. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation rounded up the top three.
On the government agencies list, the Kenya Police Service was found to be the most corrupt, with 39% of respondents indicating that they have experienced corruption in this service. Kenya Power and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) followed closely, with 12% and 11% of respondents respectively indicating that they have experienced corruption in these institutions.
However, the survey also revealed a positive trend, with the ministries recording a significant drop in graft cases. The Health Ministry, for instance, registered a decline from 27.8% in 2017 to 17.9% in 2018, while the Lands ministry registered a decline from 23.9% in 2017 to 11% in 2018.
EACC Chairperson Eliud Wabukhala also pointed out that the average bribe paid dropped from Ksh. 5,058.75 two years ago to Ksh. 3,833.14.
Dr. Wabukala called on State Officers implicated in corruption cases to step aside until the case is heard and determined. He also urged the parliament to tighten laws and take other measures to heighten the renewed war on corruption.
