The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has revealed its ongoing efforts have saved the country billions of shillings by recovering stolen assets and preventing further losses linked to corruption.

Over the past six years, the Commission has retrieved assets worth Sh28 billion and stopped potential losses amounting to Sh42 billion, with another Sh50 billion currently being pursued.

Speaking at the 9th African Anti-Corruption Day celebrations held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud highlighted how corruption continues to hurt Kenyans by denying them access to essential services and basic rights.

“Corruption continues to stifle the economy, deny citizens access to basic rights such as healthcare, safe environments, and essential government services. But most critically, it undermines human dignity,” Mohamud said, describing corruption as a “crime against humanity.”

He explained that recovered assets are now being redirected to serve public needs, including a reclaimed 60-acre plot of land that will be used to provide affordable housing for residents of informal settlements.

EACC chairperson David Oginde said fighting corruption is key to protecting the nation’s resources and ensuring fairness in development across all communities.

“We aim at protecting resources that will in turn ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, that every family has access to basic necessities, and that every citizen is treated with fairness and respect,” Oginde said.

He called for stronger legal frameworks and empowered citizens to hold leaders accountable for the resources they manage.

Former Attorney General Githu Muigai, the event’s chief guest, added that corruption goes beyond the loss of money, calling it a “theft of hope” and an attack on people’s dignity and citizenship.

“Corruption is not just the theft of money; it is the theft of hope, the denial of dignity, and the erosion of citizenship. It tells people that who you know matters more than what you need,” Muigai stated.

Muigai encouraged Kenyans to see themselves as active participants in fighting corruption, and warned against complacency. He also noted the private sector’s role in enabling corruption and the need for all sectors to act responsibly.

The event, organised by the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum with EACC as secretariat, brought together representatives from government, civil society, religious bodies, the private sector, professional groups, and development partners.

This year’s theme, “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption,” emphasized the close link between corruption, human rights, and the delivery of essential services.