NAIROBI, Kenya- Despite facing rampant corruption across public offices, 97.2% of Kenyans who experienced bribery in 2024 chose to remain silent, according to the latest survey by the EACC.
Only 2.8% of those surveyed reported bribery to any authority or individual, a figure that underscores widespread mistrust and fear of victimization in corruption reporting.
According to the National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2024, 43.3% of respondents paid bribes because it was explicitly demanded, while 18% did so to avoid delays.
“The low level of reporting highlights the urgent need for the Whistleblower’s Bill, 2021 to be fast-tracked,” the report recommends, noting that many citizens fear reprisals for speaking out.
Radio remained the dominant source of corruption-related information, with 73.6% of Kenyans relying on it. Television followed at 64.6%, while social media was cited by 32.6%. Among platforms, Facebook led with 45.5%, followed by WhatsApp (23.5%).
The report recommends fostering a “speak-up culture” across government, civil society, and the public to encourage the safe reporting of corruption.
Among the proposed solutions are:
- User-friendly reporting platforms (31.7%)
- Arrest and jail of corrupt individuals (32.3%)
- Strengthening ethics training in schools
In a nation where corruption touches nearly every service—from job seeking to college admission—the silence of citizens may be the loudest sound. As the report warns, “Without action from the public, corruption will remain unchecked.”
