NAIROBI, Kenya- Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has issued a strong call for all Kenyans to confront corruption “firmly, clearly, and within the full confines of the law.”
Speaking out on social media, Koskei stressed that corruption must become so socially unacceptable that anyone who even considers engaging in it would face public shame and legal consequences.
His message comes amid long-standing corruption challenges that have eroded public trust and diverted billions of shillings from essential services.
The scale of loss to corruption remains staggering. Previous estimates by national leaders suggest that Kenya loses over Sh800 billion annually to corruption.
I am calling on the public to take a stand against corruption, firmly, clearly, and within the full confines of the law. Let us make it so shameful and unfashionable for anyone not only to think about corruption but also to proceed and engage in it.If you see corruption:
According to the Ethics and Anti‑Corruption Commission, bribery remains the most commonly reported form of corruption in public offices, with instances ranging from securing government tenders to accessing basic services — in some cases averaging bribes of up to Sh200,000 at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
Other institutions like the National Social Security Fund and the National Treasury (Pensions Department) also feature prominently in graft reports.
Corruption in Kenya is not just transactional — it carries significant economic consequences, draining resources that could otherwise support development and service delivery.
High-profile scandals in major state institutions, including irregular procurement in large public projects, have continued to raise questions about transparency and accountability. Corruption investigations have also extended to several county governors, showing that graft is not limited to lower-level officials.
Koskei’s message lays out three actionable steps for citizens who witness corruption: interrupt it by questioning and challenging it; disrupt it by reporting it through legal channels; and stop it by refusing to be compromised and collaborating with oversight bodies.
Ending corruption will require more than policies — it demands a culture shift. Citizens, public servants, and leaders must break the silence and collectively reject practices that undermine the economy and public trust.
Only by transforming corruption from an accepted norm into a social taboo can Kenya progress toward accountable, transparent governance. Koskei’s appeal is an important step toward mobilizing that collective resolve, urging every Kenyan to take a stand and play their part in building a nation free from graft.
