List of 10 Most Corrupt Counties in Kenya Demanding up to KSh 25k Bribe per Service, EACC Report

• According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) survey, 11 counties demanded above KSh 7,000 to offer services to the public
• The survey indicated that employment was the most sought-after service, where a bribe was paid
• Although the report indicated a decrease in average national bribery, counties that led in bribery included Uasin Gishu, Baringo and Embu

Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.

About 11 counties in Kenya are demanding more than KSh 7,000 in bribes to offer services to the public.

According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Survey 2024, Kenyans seeking employment in county offices were the most affected by this vice.

Why do Kenyans pay bribes?

The report showed that unemployment was the most critical problem facing the country at 49.1% today, followed by corruption (44.6%).

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Apart from employment, other services where bribes were paid included obtaining a tender from the national government (KSh 100,000) and obtaining a TSC placement (KSh 72,665).

"Giving of bribes is the most common form of corruption witnessed in public offices. Assistant County Commissioners’ office and County Administration, Education, Public Works and Transport Departments were institutions where bribery was most prevalent," read the report in part

Although the national average bribe decreased from KSh 11,625 in 2023 to stand at KSh 4,878 in 2024, most counties are demanding over KSh 7,000 on average.

Elgeyo-Marakwet, Marsabit and Wajir were counties where bribery was most prevalent, with all (100%) respondents who sought services in these counties paying a bribe.

Which counties have highest bribes?

According to the report, the largest share of national bribes is paid by the following counties:

1. Uasin-Gishu County - KSh 25,873(11.12%)
2. Baringo - KSh 16,156(6.94%)
3. Embu - KSh 12,878(5.54%)
4. Homabay - KSh 12,381(5.32%)
5. Bomet - KSh 11,650(5.01%)
6. Kakamega - KSh 10,013(4.30%)
7. Tana-River - KSh 9,582(4.12%)
8. Kiambu - KSh 7,982(3.43%)
9. Nyamira - KSh 7,748(3.33%)
10. Wajir - KSh 7,275(3.13%)

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Other counties like Nairobi demand an average bribe of KSh 4,718, Nakuru (KSh 5,611), Meru (KSh 5,931) and Kilifi (KSh 6,676)

Which Kenyan government ministries are most corrupt?

Meanwhile, EACC stated that one is more likely to encounter corruption in the Ministry of Interior, which is headed by CS Kipchumba Murkomen and the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration leads with 47.8%, followed by the Ministry of Health with 19.7%, and the pensions department in the National Treasury with 5.8%.

The Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development account for 4.7%, followed closely by the Ministry of Education at 4.1 %.

The Attorney General's office, Ministry of Sports, Water, Trade and Investments, Cooperatives and MSMEs, Tourism and Information and Communication Technology showcased the lowest cases of corruption with 0.9%, 0.7%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%,0.1%, 0.1%, respectively.

Source: TUKO.co.ke