EACC flags graft in Gov't tenders and fake jobs

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has exposed massive corruption in state institutions and county governments, including fake academic papers, fraudulent tenders, and bribery,  with many cases still awaiting a decision from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In its latest quarterly report for January to March, the EACC paints a disturbing picture of how public resources are being stolen or misused across different sectors.

Despite submitting 44 files to the DPP, only four have received approval, while 28 are stuck in limbo.

Eight were returned for more investigations, and two were recommended for closure.

One of the key cases awaiting the DPP’s decision involves a former Sports ministry official and a foreign company over a Sh9.5 billion stadium project.

According to the EACC, the tender was awarded through direct procurement, and the regulator was not notified, raising questions of abuse of office.

Other major cases include the irregular award of a Sh716 million tender for maintaining the Nairobi Southern Bypass.

Like many others, this contract bypassed open competition, which the EACC identifies as a common trick used to steal public money.

In the counties, Baringo officials are accused of fixing a Sh34.9 million tender for a monitoring system in favour of an undeserving bidder. In Nyandarua, a Sh13.5 million branding deal went to a company connected to a county official’s family.

The education and health sectors are also deeply affected.

At Kenya Medical Training College, one staff member allegedly faked a nursing diploma and earned Sh3.7 million unlawfully.

Another, working as a cook, submitted a fake food production certificate while seeking promotion.

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company is cited for employing over a dozen people with forged KCSE certificates. One of them reportedly earned Sh15 million over a ten-year period.

While some files have been approved for prosecution, others are still under review, raising concerns about slow progress in the fight against corruption.

The EACC has also flagged bribery in the justice system.

A police officer at Capitol Hill Station allegedly demanded Sh4,000 to release an impounded motorcycle, while a court clerk at Makadara is accused of accepting Sh50,000 to speed up court proceedings.

The report highlights how corruption thrives through the misuse of direct procurement and weak enforcement.

Although the EACC has recommended charges in many cases, it says that delays by the DPP in acting on these files are threatening to weaken public confidence in Kenya’s anti-corruption fight.