The report’s findings were released by the Deputy Director of Research and Transformation at the Commission Nancy Namenge at a function attended by top officials-including EACC chief executive Halakhe Waqo and Chairman Philip Kinisu/CFM NEWS
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 15 – A new Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) survey now shows that the Interior Ministry is perceived to be most prone to corruption at 40.3 pc.
It is followed by the Health Ministry at 14.3 percent while Lands Ministry is placed third at 11.3pc.
Others include Education at 9.9 pc, Transport and Infrastructure at 6.1 pc, Devolution and Planning at 5.1pc, Defence at 3.5 pc and Agriculture 2.4pc.
On government departments and agencies perceived to be most prone to corruption, the Kenya Police Service leads the list at 31.9pc, traffic police at 18.8pc and at third position the chiefs’ offices at 6.2pc.
The report’s findings were released by the Deputy Director of Research and Transformation at the Commission Nancy Namenge at a function attended by top officials-including EACC chief executive Halakhe Waqo and Chairman Philip Kinisu.
Kinisu said the menace can all be eradicated if all government agencies work together but noted that there were slight gains being made.
According to the report, corruption perception in the country ranges at 67.7pc a drop from 73.9pc in 2012.
“The findings of this report will help the commission to formulate appropriate policies and strategies so that they answer and respond to the challenge at hand,” he said.
He said more resources will be marshalled and concentrated on identifying areas perceived as high risk areas.
“To strengthen the execution of the prevention strategy, the EACC will among other measures seek to identify existing weakness and corruption loopholes in systems of public bodies and strengthen them so as to eliminate any chances of exploitation for corruption purposes,” he said.
Going forward, he said the commission will implement and enforce deterrent administrative sanctions against public officers engaging in corrupt practices.
Also to be introduced, according to the chairman, will be corruption prevention measures as part of job descriptions for all state and public officers.
The commission will also institute legal and administrative sanctions to compel heads of public organizations to fully implement corruption prevention advice provided by EACC.
Attorney General Githu Muigai, while launching the survey said already major gains have been made in the war against graft but lamented that to a large extent; the perception on corruption is being fuelled by people with selfish agendas.
“Today we regrettably tolerate those we suspect of being beneficiaries of illegal gains. We invite them to our celebrations and recognize their achievements, we admire their ability to manipulate system and circumvent processes,” he lamented.
He said the government will ensure all required legal measures are in place, to curb the menace.
Waqo on his part said the war on corruption in the country is largely hampered by political patronage and fear of victimization.
“This finding is a demonstration that Kenyans are aware of the efforts being made in the fight on corruption and are ready to render support to the same,” the CEO said.
“I appeal to all parties involved in the criminal justice system to protect public interest at all times as a clear signal that corruption and unethical practices will not be tolerated.”
He cautioned that “when the image of a country is dented, all of us share the collective blame.”
Over 5,000 respondents participated in the survey that covered 46 counties with exception of Mandera which had numerous security challenges.
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