EACC flags interior, health ministries as top corruption hotspots
The Ministry of Health ranked second in reported incidents, with 19.7% of interactions involving unethical practices, while the National Treasury followed at 5.8%, a distant third.
Kenyans are more likely to encounter unethical practices and corruption within the Ministry of Interior and National Administration than in any other public institution, according to the latest findings from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey reveals that 47.8% of respondents who interacted with the Interior Ministry reported experiencing or witnessing corrupt conduct, marking it as the most prevalent hotspot for such incidents.
The survey, conducted between August and October 2024 and encompassing over 6,000 respondents nationwide, aimed to gauge citizen perceptions and experiences regarding corruption in public service.
It highlights a troubling pattern where bribery and unethical behavior are perceived as a norm, particularly in the quest for public services.
The Ministry of Health ranked second in reported incidents, with 19.7% of interactions involving unethical practices, while the National Treasury followed at 5.8%, a distant third. Other notable mentions include the Ministry of Lands (5.6%), Transport (3.9%), and Education (2.6%).
"This data underscores a pervasive challenge in public service delivery," the EACC report states bluntly. It emphasizes that corruption not only hampers effective governance but also perpetuates a culture of impunity and fear among citizens.
The survey also shed light on regional disparities, with Nairobi County topping the list of corruption reports among devolved units, closely followed by Kiambu, Machakos, Kisumu, and Nakuru. This geographical breakdown underscores the widespread nature of the issue across various administrative levels.
In response to these findings, the EACC has called for stringent enforcement of anti-corruption laws, heightened public awareness campaigns, and robust protection mechanisms for whistleblowers.
Structural reforms within the most affected ministries are also recommended to curb the endemic corruption.
"Citizens must be empowered to demand transparency and accountability from their leaders," the report urges, stressing the critical role of civic engagement in combating corruption.
