EACC Averts Ksh10.74 Billion Corruption Loss as Officials Demand Greater Powers
NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s war on corruption has taken a significant turn after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) revealed it prevented the potential loss of Ksh10.74 billion to graft over the past three years.
The disclosure underscores the scale of attempted corruption within public institutions, even as the anti-graft agency intensifies efforts to safeguard taxpayer funds.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi A. Mohamud outlined the commission’s performance during the review period, noting that billions of shillings were at risk due to corrupt dealings but were protected through investigations, asset tracing, and timely interventions.
“The amount represents funds that were at risk due to corrupt activities but were safeguarded through investigations and intervention by the commission,” Mohamud said.
Major Gains in the Fight Against Graft
According to the EACC, its preventive and enforcement measures have delivered measurable results. The commission reported a 72 per cent conviction rate and the recovery of Ksh7.4 billion in stolen public funds.
Mohamud emphasized that these achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained anti-corruption initiatives.
“As much as we are getting convictions and recovering assets, the situation is not changing as we would have wished. In the last three years, we averted the potential loss of Ksh10.74 billion,” he stated.
Despite the progress, the EACC boss warned that corruption remains deeply entrenched across sectors, with numerous cases still being reported.
He cautioned that the vast sums targeted by corrupt individuals highlight systemic vulnerabilities that continue to be exploited.
Calls for Prosecutorial Powers Intensify
In a bold push for reform, EACC officials have proposed granting the commission prosecutorial authority to strengthen the fight against graft.
Currently, corruption cases investigated by the EACC are forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for action. However, officials argue that the process often leads to delays and weakened cases.
They claim that some cases collapse or are overturned on appeal, undermining accountability and public confidence in the justice system.
EACC Chair David Oginde urged lawmakers to consider empowering the commission to prosecute its own cases.
“Could we be given a chance to process these files all the way to the court and let the court be the adjudicator?” Oginde posed.
The commission maintains that it has the technical expertise to handle prosecutions but remains constrained by existing legal frameworks.
A Persistent National Challenge
The revelations come amid growing public concern over corruption and renewed calls for institutional reforms. Analysts say granting prosecutorial powers to the EACC could mark a turning point in Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts—if supported by legislative changes and political will.
For now, the commission insists that prevention remains as critical as enforcement in sealing loopholes and protecting public resources.
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