EACC disputes TISA’s report that Kenya loses Ksh.3B daily to graft

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has questioned the accuracy of a recent report by the Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) which claimed that the country loses Ksh.3 billion daily to corruption.

Speaking during the International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations at KICC on Tuesday, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud said the figure lacked a scientific basis.

He therefore advised civil society groups and other organisations against misrepresentation of figures, which risk painting the country in a bad light in the global arena.

“In my view, I have read the report, and I did not find a scientific method of arriving at that statistic. When you mention a number, there must be a formula that is applied to arrive at that number. If it is generalising something, we cannot generalise information,” Mohamud said.

“Let us be factual in any report or information we share publicly or internationally because all these have some negative effect or impact on our country at the global stage,” he said.

TISA’s report, released on Monday, claims that corruption in public procurement across national and county governments now costs Kenya at least Ksh.3 billion daily, up from Ksh.2 billion under the previous administration, amounting to roughly Ksh.1.1 trillion annually.

The Transparency International 2024 index gives Kenya a score of 32 out of 100, ranking 121 out of 180 countries, below both the sub-Saharan and global averages. Regionally, Rwanda leads with 57 points, followed by Tanzania at 41, while Kenya ranks only above Uganda and Burundi.

He pointed out that EACC’s preventive efforts averted the loss of Ksh.16.5 billion in public assets as he called the youths to action for Kenya’s youth, describing corruption as a human choice that can be unchosen.

“The price is high for all of us to be defeated and the future is too bright to be dimmed by cynicism, half-hearted actions or inaction in the fight against corruption. This generation, bold, brilliant, and unbowed, will lead Kenya to the greatness it has always deserved,” Mohamud said.

During the event, youths shared personal experiences of how corruption had robbed them of life opportunities.

EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde, on his par,t emphasised the role of young people in fighting graft.

He said, “When billions meant for hospitals, roads, bursaries and university funding vanish into private pockets, it is not just money that is stolen; it is the job you were supposed to get, the classroom that was never built, the loan that never reached your HELB account, and the hope that dies a little more each day."

The celebrations, held under the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” highlighted the Commission’s ongoing programs to engage the youth in anti-corruption efforts.

Over the past year, the EACC held youth integrity dialogues in universities and colleges, strengthened Adili Clubs in schools, and collaborated with the National Youth Council to empower young people in promoting integrity.

“We share the conviction with the world that corruption is not only a crime, but a profound injustice; one that steals opportunity, erodes trust, and undermines the promise of our nation,” he said.

British High Commission Chargé d’Affaires Ed Barnett urged collective action in the fight against corruption, calling upon the youths to be at the forefront to ensure a brighter future.

“The fight against corruption cannot be waged alone. It requires collective action – government, civil society, academia, private sector, citizens, and you all,” he said.

Other guests present at the event included Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Jacobs Fikirini, members from the National Youth Council, the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum and the Africa Youth Leadership Forum (AYLF), among others.