Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has formalised a new partnership with South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in a move aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation in the fight against corruption.
The two agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral collaboration on anti-corruption initiatives, marking a significant step in deepening institutional ties between Kenya and South Africa.
The agreement was signed by EACC Secretary and CEO Abdi Mohamud on the sidelines of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) Annual Conference 2025 and the 15th General Meeting held in Doha, Qatar.
Under the MoU, the EACC and SIU will cooperate in key areas including mutual technical assistance, information and intelligence sharing, joint research and training programmes, as well as staff exchange initiatives.
The framework is designed to bolster institutional capacity and facilitate the sharing of best practices in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of corruption-related offences.
Officials said the partnership would enable both agencies to leverage their respective experiences and expertise in addressing complex corruption cases that increasingly involve cross-border elements.
The agreement also underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in tackling financial crimes and illicit flows that transcend national boundaries.
The signing of the MoU coincided with Mohamud’s participation in the IAACA Annual Conference, where he addressed delegates on the role of public participation in achieving sustainable anti-corruption outcomes.
He stressed that citizen engagement was critical to the success of anti-corruption strategies and called for a whole-of-society approach that places the public at the centre of integrity efforts.
During his address, the EACC chief highlighted Kenya’s experience in mobilising citizens through structured platforms such as the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF) and the National Anti-Corruption Steering Committee.
He noted that these mechanisms have been instrumental in raising public awareness, improving inter-agency coordination and fostering collective action against corruption.
According to Mohamud, empowering citizens to take part in integrity initiatives enhances transparency and accountability while strengthening trust between institutions and the public.
He said sustained public engagement was essential in ensuring that anti-corruption measures translate into tangible results.
The IAACA, which convened the conference, is an independent and non-political international organisation mandated to promote the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
It also supports anti-corruption authorities worldwide by providing platforms for cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
The MoU between EACC and South Africa’s SIU adds to a growing network of international partnerships aimed at reinforcing Kenya’s anti-corruption framework and aligning national efforts with global standards in the fight against corruption.
