A total of 42 corruption and economic crime investigation files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for review and possible prosecution after investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission uncovered suspected graft, procurement irregularities and abuse of office in several public institutions.
Details contained in the Commission’s quarterly report covering October 1 to December 31, 2025, show that most of the files were recommended for criminal prosecution, while others were advised for administrative action, closure or further investigations.
The report, published in the Kenya Gazette dated March 6, 2026, indicates that 31 of the files were recommended for prosecution, three for administrative or other action and eight for closure. Ten cases were returned for further investigations.
The Commission confirmed that one of the files recommended for prosecution has already been filed in court.
According to the report, the Director of Public Prosecutions has already accepted seven recommendations for prosecution, one recommendation for administrative action and three recommendations for closure. A further 21 files are still awaiting advice from the prosecution office.
None of the recommendations made by the Commission were rejected or declined, with the prosecution office only proposing administrative action in some matters.
Investigations outlined in the report involve several offences, including forgery of academic certificates, fraudulent acquisition of public property, bribery, abuse of office, obstruction of justice and mishandling of public funds.
One of the major cases under review involves a former legal advisor to the Kajiado County Governor who is under investigation for allegedly embezzling Sh462,909,698.95 through tenders awarded to companies linked to her relatives. The prosecution office asked the Commission to carry out further investigations on January 30, 2026.
In Kilifi County, officials are suspected of influencing the award of a Sh21 million water project tender to Stockman Limited after allegedly receiving bribes. The Commission is still waiting for advice from the prosecution office.
The report also highlights procurement concerns in Nyeri County, where the Dedan Kimathi Member of County Assembly allegedly directed tenders worth Sh2,650,020 to a company he owns. Another case involves the Mahiga Ward Member of County Assembly who is said to have influenced tenders valued at Sh12,136,422.50 to companies linked to him.
The prosecution office requested additional investigations into the two Nyeri cases on January 16, 2026.
In Laikipia County, officials are accused of initiating projects worth Sh1.13 billion without approval from the county assembly, leaving contractors and consultants with unpaid bills totalling Sh98,967,249.00. The case is still awaiting the prosecution office’s decision.
Investigations in Wamagana Ward also revealed that four companies connected to the area Member of County Assembly received Sh16,974,163.70 through irregular procurement processes. The Commission is awaiting guidance from prosecutors.
Payroll and recruitment irregularities also feature in the report. In Garissa County, the recruitment and payment of 412 employees outside proper procedures led to Sh731,267,863.40 being paid in salaries.
The prosecution office directed the Commission to carry out further investigations into the matter on February 9, 2026.
The Garissa County Director is also under investigation for allegedly benefiting from Sh1.285 million linked to supply contracts for enriched porridge, with prosecutors requesting additional inquiries on January 30, 2026.
In Embu County, the Mbeti North Member of County Assembly is suspected of embezzling Sh129,163,539.89 through tenders awarded to companies he co-owned. The case is awaiting the prosecution office’s advice.
In Nakuru County, investigators examined a case where a department spent Sh27.5 million on sports kits that could not be verified for quality. Prosecutors later ordered the file to be closed on January 30, 2026.
The report also highlights cases involving misuse of public funds. A Resident Engineer working with the Kenya Rural Roads Authority received inflated accommodation allowances that led to an overpayment of Sh2,585,000. The Commission recommended recovery of the money while closing the inquiry.
In Bungoma County, officials are accused of misappropriating Sh6,553,060 meant for community empowerment projects. The case is awaiting advice from prosecutors.
Marsabit County water services officials are also under investigation after companies linked to the Director reportedly received Sh219 million unlawfully. Prosecutors requested additional investigations on February 11, 2026.
In Turkana County, the County Assembly is said to have paid Sh42.5 million in excess after irregular variations were made to tender contracts. The Commission is still waiting for guidance from the prosecution office.
The report further exposes several cases of forged academic certificates used by public officers to secure employment or promotions.
In one case, an Office Assistant working at the Office of the Auditor General allegedly submitted a forged KCSE certificate from Umu-Salama Secondary School and earned Sh3,082,366.05 in salary. Prosecutors directed the Commission to conduct further investigations.
Another case involves a Health Records and Information Officer at the Kenya Medical Training College who used a forged Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education to obtain a promotion and earned Sh808,013.38.
Investigators also found that an Assistant Election Officer at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission submitted a forged bachelor’s degree certificate to secure promotion.
A driver working at the Office of the Auditor General also presented a falsified secondary school certificate and earned more than Sh4 million during his employment.
At Masinde Muliro University, an employee is said to have falsified her KCSE certificate, nursing diploma and professional registration certificate, earning Sh7,584,574. Prosecutors agreed with the recommendation for prosecution.
A Secretarial Assistant at the Trans Nzoia County Government was dismissed after presenting a forged Bachelor’s degree from Kisii University, with prosecutors recommending criminal charges.
At the Kiambu County Assembly, a Messenger and Cleaner also submitted a forged KCSE certificate and earned Sh2,220,774.35 before being dismissed. Investigators are carrying out further inquiries into the case.
The Commission stated that all investigations are conducted under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and the EACC Act, which require that recommendations be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions for direction on the next steps.
“The quarterly report ensures transparency and accountability in how corruption and economic crime cases are handled, highlighting the Commission’s recommendations and the subsequent actions by the DPP,” the EACC said.
The quarterly reports are submitted to the Attorney General and later tabled before the National Assembly before publication in the Kenya Gazette.
Under the law, the Commission must prepare reports showing the number of cases referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, indicate whether the prosecution office accepted the recommendations and forward copies to the Attorney General for tabling in Parliament.
