The National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) 2024 has revealed that bribery remains a significant factor in accessing public services in Kenya, despite a notable drop in the average bribe size.
- •The average bribe size dropped sharply from KSh 11,625 in 2023 to KSh 4,878 in 2024, but the amounts remained alarmingly high in certain areas and institutions.
- •The survey also identified the most corruption-prone government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Ministry of Health, National Treasury (Pensions Department), Ministry of Lands, and Ministry of Education.
- •The report highlights that unemployment, corruption, poverty and high cost of living remain the most critical problems facing Kenyans today, with corruption ranking second after unemployment.
The impact indicator shows that in Kakamega, Baringo and Meru counties, bribe payments had the strongest influence on access to services. In Kakamega, those who paid a bribe were 1.37 times more likely to receive a service, while in Baringo and Meru, the likelihood stood at 1.07 times. Elgeyo-Marakwet, Marsabit and Samburu followed closely, with bribe payments making citizens 1.00 times more likely to access services compared to those who did not pay.
According to the survey, seeking employment in County Executive offices required the largest bribes (KSh 243,651), followed by tenders in the National Government (KSh 100,000) and Teachers Service Commission placements (KSh 72,665).
Kenya Wildlife Service topped the list with an average bribe of KSh 200,000, followed by the National Social Security Fund (KSh 47,129) and the National Treasury – Pensions Department (KSh 40,000).
The highest bribes were recorded in Uasin Gishu (KSh 25,873), followed by Baringo (KSh 16,156), Embu (KSh 12,878), Homa Bay (KSh 12,381) and Bomet (KSh 11,650).
The Kenya Police, Traffic Police, Immigration, Civil Registration, and county inspectorates were flagged as the most vulnerable agencies, while police officers, KRA officers, chiefs, lawyers, county revenue officers and land surveyors were the professionals most linked to unethical conduct.
Despite widespread corruption, the survey found that most incidents go unreported, as bribes are often seen as the only way to access services.
The National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) 2024, conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), covered 5,960 households across all 47 counties, using the Kenya Household Master Sample Frame (KHMSF).