In its financial report for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the EACC disclosed that it had traced Sh16 billion in illicit and unexplained assets, of which approximately Sh2.9 billion was recovered through court proceedings and out-of-court settlements. The investigation covers a wide range of allegations, including irregular tender awards, conflict of interest, and embezzlement of public funds
About 25 counties in Kenya are under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over allegations of misuse of public funds, abuse of office, and procurement irregularities. These counties include Kajiado, Laikipia, West Pokot, Bomet, Kitui, Kwale, Marsabit, Mandera, Bungoma, Siaya, Uasin Gishu, Kiambu, Homabay, Turkana, Vihiga, Wajir, Kisumu, Garissa, Nyeri, Kilifi, Kakamega, Nairobi, Samburu, and Migori.
The investigations, which involve both current and former county officials, are part of the EACC’s ongoing effort to root out corruption and safeguard public resources.
In its financial report for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the commission disclosed that it had traced Sh16 billion in illicit and unexplained assets, amounting to approximately Sh2.9 billion, which were recovered through both court proceedings and out-of-court settlements.
The investigation spans a wide range of allegations, including irregular tender awards, conflict of interest, and embezzlement of public funds. Among the notable cases:
- West Pokot County: The EACC is probing four county officials over a conflict of interest in the award of tenders to proxy companies between 2013 and January 2024, totalling Sh1.04 billion.
- Migori County: Allegations have surfaced regarding procurement irregularities in the drilling and equipping of solar-powered boreholes worth Sh140 million.
- Laikipia County: Nine tenders worth Sh1.37 billion for road works and consultancy services are under investigation, with concerns about improper procedures between 2021 and 2023.
- Bomet County: Allegations of conflict of interest have been raised against county officials for payments made to proxy companies between the financial years 2019/2020 and 2021/2022, totalling Sh1 billion.
- Kwale County: The commission is investigating irregularities in the awarding of a medical insurance tender to AAR Insurance, valued at Sh849 million for the 2021/2022 fiscal year.
Further investigations are underway in Nairobi City County regarding the irregular procurement of electrical materials for street lighting worth Sh313.8 million. Siaya County is also under scrutiny for the misappropriation of Sh400 million meant for fictitious imprests.
Other counties, including Kitui and Turkana, face allegations of funds mismanagement, particularly about COVID-19 interventions and fraudulent acquisition of public funds.
The report also highlights the EACC’s success in tackling bribery, embezzlement, and unethical conduct. During the period under review, the commission filed 534 cases of corruption and related crimes, with 221 criminal cases pending in court.
Additionally, the EACC processed 5,171 reports, of which 2,207 were deemed relevant to its mandate, leading to further investigation. Of these, 42% related to bribery, 13% to embezzlement, and 12% to unethical conduct, with the remaining cases covering other offences.
The EACC’s rigorous approach is expected to continue as it works to restore integrity within Kenya’s devolved systems and ensure public funds are used appropriately for the benefit of citizens.
