The anti-corruption watchdog has pushed back against a new report suggesting Kenya is losing Sh3 billion every day to graft, saying the claim lacks proper grounding and risks misleading the public.
During the International Anti-Corruption Day event at KICC on Tuesday, EACC chief executive Abdi Mohamud said the figure presented by the Institute for Social Accountability did not show how it was reached.
He explained that even the earlier claim of Sh2 billion in daily losses, which was once mentioned by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, is still being examined by the Commission’s research team to determine its source.
Mohamud asked civil society groups and other organisations to avoid sharing figures that are not backed by solid methods, warning that such statements could harm the country’s image.
“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, made public on Monday, states that corruption in public procurement at both national and county levels has now pushed Kenya’s daily loss to at least Sh3 billion, rising from the Sh2 billion reported during the last administration. The organisation estimates this adds up to about Sh1.1 trillion each year.
According to the Transparency International 2024 index, Kenya scored 32 out of 100 and was placed 121 out of 180 countries, falling below both global and regional averages. Within East Africa, Rwanda leads with 57 points, followed by Tanzania at 41, while Kenya ranks just above Uganda and Burundi.
Mohamud used the event to outline the Commission’s work over the past year, noting that EACC had filed 79 new court cases to recover assets worth around Sh4.8 billion. He added that the Commission had already recovered property valued at Sh3.4 billion, completed 54 cases and secured 33 convictions. He also said preventive measures stopped the loss of Sh16.5 billion in public assets.
He urged young people to take a stand in the fight against corruption, saying it is a choice that can be reversed.
“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, several youths shared how corruption had affected their lives and limited their opportunities.
EACC chairperson David Oginde also appealed directly to young people, stressing that the money lost to graft comes at their expense.
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."
This year’s celebrations, held under the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” focused on the Commission’s ongoing programs aimed at guiding the younger generation.
Over the past year, EACC held youth integrity forums in learning institutions, strengthened Adili Clubs in schools, and worked with the National Youth Council to train young people on integrity values.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who was the guest at the event, said corruption weakens the country’s progress and damages trust.
“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 echoed the call for cooperation, saying the fight requires everyone to play their part.
“The fight against corruption cannot be waged alone. It requires collective action – government, civil society, academia, private sector, citizens, and you all,” he said.
Those attending included Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Jacobs Fikirini, representatives from the National Youth Council, the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum, the Africa Youth Leadership Forum and other partners who support youth programs across the country.
