MOMBASA, Kenya – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called for stronger accountability and institutional safeguards to curb corruption at the Port of Mombasa, warning that closing operational loopholes alone will not be enough without holding public officers responsible for their actions.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholder meeting, EACC Commissioner John Ogallo said effective oversight, integrity and decisive action against misconduct were essential to protecting the port from corruption.
Ogallo emphasised that strengthening accountability among public officers must go hand in hand with efforts to seal loopholes in port operations.
He said robust oversight mechanisms were necessary to ensure that those entrusted with public responsibilities acted with integrity and faced consequences for misconduct.
Koskei Calls For Stronger Controls As Cargo Volumes Grow
Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei underscored the need to strengthen controls as cargo volumes handled at the port continue to grow.
Koskei said efficient and transparent port operations were critical to protecting public revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and helping to ease the cost of living.
The Port of Mombasa is a key gateway for Kenya and neighbouring countries, making the integrity of its operations important to regional commerce and economic activity.
Weak controls and corrupt practices can undermine revenue collection, increase the cost of doing business and disadvantage companies that comply with the law.
UNODC Urges Cooperation To Block Criminal Networks
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Eastern Africa Anti-Corruption Hub Team Lead Francesco Chechi called for coordinated action and international cooperation to combat corruption and financial crime at strategic trade gateways.
Chechi warned that weaknesses in oversight and poor coordination among institutions could create opportunities for corrupt practices and allow criminal networks to exploit trade and financial systems.
He said stronger collaboration among relevant agencies was necessary to close these gaps, improve the detection of illicit activities and protect the integrity of port operations.
Chechi also stressed that enforcement should be complemented by preventive measures, including stronger institutional safeguards, information sharing and capacity building.
Such measures, he said, could help institutions identify corruption risks early, curb illicit financial flows and protect legitimate businesses from unfair competition.
Port Integrity Critical To Regional Trade
The Port of Mombasa plays a central role in Kenya’s economy and serves as an important trade gateway for the wider East African region.
Strengthening accountability and transparency in its operations is essential to protecting public resources, supporting legitimate businesses and maintaining confidence in the country’s trade systems.
