More Kenyans paid bribes to access public services in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the latest National Ethics and Corruption Survey by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The report, released Tuesday, August 5, shows that offering bribes was the most common form of corruption, accounting for 52.1 per cent, compared to 41.9 per cent of respondents who admitted to receiving bribes.
Public officers accused of soliciting the most bribes include police officers, staff at the National Registration Bureau, medical workers, land registry, and immigration officials.
Other widespread unethical practices cited in the report include favouritism, abuse of office, tribalism, and nepotism.
The number of Kenyans who reported paying unauthorised fees while seeking government services rose to 25.4 per cent up from 17.7 per cent in 2023.
“Most of the respondents (43.3 per cent) paid a bribe because it was demanded, followed by 23.3 per cent who indicated it was the only way to access a service and 18 percent who paid to avoid delay in service,” read part of the report.
National average bribe
The average bribe amount dropped significantly from Sh11,625 in 2023 to Sh4,878 in 2024.
However, the highest reported bribe was Sh243,651, allegedly paid for an appointment as a County Executive.
Other notable bribes included: Sh100,000 for national government tenders (contractors), Sh72,665 to the Teachers Service Commission for placement, Sh40,000 extorted from pensioners at the National Treasury, Sh200,000 paid at Kenya Wildlife Service, and Sh47,129 demanded by NSSF service providers.
Counties
In the counties, Uasin Gishu reported the highest average bribe amount at Sh25,873.
Other counties where residents reported high bribes include Baringo, Embu, Homa Bay, Bomet, Kakamega, Tana River, Kiambu, Nyamira, and Wajir.
According to the report, Kwale, Kilifi, and Wajir were the most bribery-prone counties, with residents being asked for bribes 1.09, 1.03, and 1.02 times respectively, for every service sought.
Bribery was most prevalent in Elgeyo-Marakwet, Marsabit, and Wajir, where 100 per cent of respondents who sought services reported paying bribes.
Services most associated with bribery included college admission, application for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) card, and general county services.
Speaking at the launch of the report, EACC Chairperson David Oginde urged Kenyans to stop offering bribes for services they are entitled to.
“We must demand, as Kenyans, to receive the services we ought to get without paying anything. If we all refuse to pay, we will get the services without having to pay. Some of us are so quick to make these payments whether they are asked or not,” Oginde said.
While cash remains the most common bribe form, some respondents also admitted to giving food and drinks.
Despite widespread bribery, 97.2 per cent of victims never reported the incidents, citing a lack of confidence in authorities.
Additionally, 67 per cent of respondents said corruption had worsened, blaming it on the high cost of living, poor service delivery, bad governance, and systemic corruption.
