Kenya’s public sector continues to impose a heavy financial burden on citizens, with average bribery payments showing significant variation across different regions.
The 2025 Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission reveals Kakamega County as the most affected by bribery.
Individuals seeking public services in Kakamega pay an average of Sh79,305 per bribe, a sum far exceeding other areas and indicating serious integrity issues within the county’s administrative and enforcement systems.
Bribe payments decrease considerably outside Kakamega, though they remain high. West Pokot ranks second with an average bribe of Sh16,400. Northern and Eastern regions also show elevated rates, with Isiolo averaging Sh13,912 and Garissa at Sh12,297.
Vihiga County’s residents pay approximately Ksh 12,389 on average to circumvent official obstacles or obtain services.
The survey also identifies several counties in Rift Valley and Central regions where bribe averages range between Sh10,000 and Sh12,000.
These include Kericho at Sh11,799, Nandi at Sh11,664, and Bungoma at Sh11,048.