The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has unveiled far-reaching legal and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s fight against graft, including fast-tracking corruption cases, expanding investigative powers, and tightening accountability across public institutions.
The proposals are contained in the Anti-Corruption Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to ensure corruption cases and appeals are concluded within six months, while granting investigators broader access to mobile money platforms and non-bank financial services.
If enacted, the Bill will also introduce a 10-year tender ban for individuals convicted of corruption, criminalise influence peddling, and enhance protection for whistle-blowers.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde said the past year had marked “significant steps” in reinforcing Kenya’s anti-corruption framework. Speaking during the release of the Commission’s 2024/2025 financial year report, Oginde highlighted the enactment of the Conflict-of-Interest Act, terming it a major milestone in curbing unethical practices.
“This landmark law grants the Commission clearer authority and enhanced tools to detect and address conflicts of interest, one of the most pervasive gateways to corruption,” Oginde said.
“It empowers us to intervene early, before unethical conduct escalates into criminality.”
Oginde also noted progress made through the Anti-Corruption Guiding Framework, adopted by the National Council on the Administration of Justice, saying it had improved coordination among justice-sector actors and accelerated case processing.
Digitising public procurement through the e-GP system, he added, had introduced transparency into a sector where the public is most vulnerable to financial loss.
“These reforms affirm a simple truth: when the policy and legal environment is strengthened, the fight against corruption gains real momentum,” he said.
The EACC report cited stronger collaboration with government agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, the media and international partners.
However, Oginde raised alarm over the rise in forged academic and professional credentials, warning that Kenya risks becoming a society where “shortcuts override merit.” He noted that the National Ethics and Integrity Conference, convened recently, placed this issue at the centre of national debate.
The Commission also expanded youth engagement through integrity dialogues, training sessions and digital platforms — initiatives it says are beginning to reshape public attitudes toward accountability.
