NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has completed investigations into 89 high-profile corruption cases and forwarded the files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for action.
The cases involve four current and former governors, two ex-Cabinet secretaries, a principal secretary, and several CEOs and managing directors of state corporations.
EACC said it has recommended prosecution in 82 of the files.
EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud added that the agency is also at an advanced stage of probing five sitting governors and 11 former governors over allegations of embezzlement of public funds, conflict of interest, money laundering, and possession of unexplained wealth.
“To address irregular recruitments, manipulation of payrolls, irregular allowances, and embezzlement of mortgage and car loan funds at the counties, the Commission is actively pursuing cases worth about Sh1.6 billion involving 822 county officials,” Abdi said.
Public frustration over rising corruption
Abdi acknowledged growing public frustration, especially among young people, over rising levels of corruption.
“While the Commission acknowledges the frustration by Kenyans, I wish to assure the country that the Commission will upscale both its preventive and enforcement mandates geared towards effectively combating corruption,” he said.
He pointed to the National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2024, which ranked corruption as the second most critical challenge in Kenya after unemployment, as proof of the urgent need for stronger action.
Assets recovered and losses prevented
Beyond prosecutions, EACC said it has:
- Recovered 12 properties valued at about Sh600 million.
- Recovered more than Sh105 million in cash.
- Blocked possible losses of Sh7.2 billion through proactive investigations.
Legal reforms to strengthen war on graft
Abdi welcomed the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, the Anti-Corruption Laws (Amendment Bill), and the Whistleblower Protection Bill, which he said signal the government’s renewed commitment to accountability and transparency.
The EACC boss said the Commission will also intensify monitoring of big-ticket projects, target bribery at service delivery points, pursue recovery of corruptly acquired assets, and strengthen collaboration with professional bodies to promote ethical compliance.
