The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has emerged as the most bribery-prone public agency in the country, demanding the highest average bribes of up to Sh200,000, according to the 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) released by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The report, published in August 2025, shows that while the national average bribe dropped sharply to Sh4,878—less than half the 2023 figure of Sh11,625—several state institutions continue to demand large sums for essential services.
The survey, conducted between November and December 2024 across 47 counties, lists the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as the second most bribery-prone institution with an average bribe of Sh47,129, followed by the National Treasury’s Pensions Department at Sh40,000. Other areas of concern include county executive offices, where bribes related to employment reportedly averaged Sh243,651, and national government tenders, where applicants allegedly paid up to Sh100,000 to secure contracts. The Teachers Service Commission also featured in the report, with average bribes for teacher placements reaching Sh72,665.
EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde described the findings as evidence of systemic corruption that cannot be solved through arrests alone, calling instead for deeper institutional reforms and stronger accountability systems. He noted that the persistence of bribery in key service areas—such as employment, tendering, and licensing—reflects a culture of impunity and weak internal controls. Police officers, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) staff, and local administrators were identified as the most frequently bribed officials, collectively accounting for more than 60 percent of all reported cases.
In terms of public perception, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration was ranked as the most corruption-prone ministry, followed by Health, National Treasury, and Lands. EACC Chief Executive Abdi Mohamud said the data highlights the urgent need for targeted anti-graft strategies, especially in high-contact offices. The commission pledged to intensify investigations, prosecutions, and civic education campaigns aimed at curbing bribery. Analysts say the report’s findings underscore the ongoing struggle to strengthen Kenya’s anti-corruption framework, even as citizens continue to face extortion for basic public services.