In one eye-popping example, the Senate highlighted the mismanagement of KSh 800 million in Turkana County, where a major project had stalled with no contractor in sight. Meanwhile, the foundation for the Governor’s lavish official residence has already consumed KSh 200 million, with no accountability. Such cases are widespread across the 47 counties, yet the EACC appears slow to act
As county governments across Kenya continue to grapple with systemic corruption, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)’s failure to act swiftly and decisively is exacerbating the crisis.
Senate committees have consistently raised concerns about the EACC’s lacklustre efforts to investigate and prosecute corruption at the county level. In a recent parliamentary session, the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee expressed outrage over the commission’s inability to deliver timely investigations or secure convictions, even after years of probing. Senator Moses Kajwang’, the committee chair, did not mince words last week when he declared President William Ruto’s Kenyan government was “a crime scene,” where corruption was rampant and seemingly untouchable.
In one eye-popping example, the Senate highlighted the mismanagement of KSh 800 million in Turkana County, where a major project had stalled, with no contractor in sight, while the foundation for the Governor’s lavish official residence has already consumed KSh 200 million, with no accountability. Such examples are widespread across the 47 counties, yet the EACC appears slow to act.
“Why is it that corruption in counties is getting worse, yet the Senate gets blamed?” Kajwang’ questioned, further accusing the commission of being either “a toothless bulldog or in bed with the criminals.” His frustration was palpable as he demanded that the EACC step up its game and bring swift justice to the many suspects embroiled in corruption.
The root of the problem lies in the EACC’s sluggishness. Despite the commission’s claims of ongoing investigations, many cases have lingered for years without resolution. The most glaring issue is the EACC’s failure to close investigations quickly enough to prosecute offenders. It is a bitter pill for ordinary Kenyans, who are tired of hearing promises without seeing results.
The EACC’s Secretary, Abdi Mohamud, has, however, cited inadequate staffing and funding as key reasons for the delays. With just 760 staff members to cover all 47 counties and the national government, it’s no surprise that the commission is struggling to keep up. Mohamud’s pleas for more resources, including a larger budget allocation, have met with a limited response from the authorities concerned.
However, the problems run deeper than just financial and staffing challenges. The commission’s approach to investigations has also been criticised for its lack of urgency and transparency. There are concerns that the EACC has become more focused on media sensationalism than on delivering concrete outcomes. The commission’s dramatic arrests often fail to be followed by meaningful action in court, leading to public disillusionment with anti-corruption efforts.
One of the most pressing issues is the control that county governors exert over recruitment processes, which has become a breeding ground for corruption. Governors hand-pick their political allies for key positions, leaving the door wide open for nepotism and the mismanagement of public funds. Despite the EACC’s awareness of these practices, there has been little to no intervention, allowing the corruption to persist.
