Uasin Gishu Leads National Bribery Rankings as EACC Sounds Alarm on Rising Corruption
Uasin Gishu County has emerged as Kenya’s most corruption-stricken region, topping the national bribery index in the latest National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) released by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). According to the 2024 findings, published in early 2025, the county accounts for 11.12 per cent of all bribes reported nationwide—more than double that of most counties. The survey also revealed that residents in the region pay the highest average bribe in the country, at approximately KSh25,800, compared to the national average of KSh4,878. The findings have reignited concerns over deteriorating service delivery in a county known for its agricultural strength and fast-growing urban centre.
The report, which targeted nearly 6,000 households, paints a grim picture of daily life for residents seeking essential services. More than 63 per cent of respondents in Uasin Gishu reported paying or being asked to pay a bribe for basic public services, with corruption most prevalent in land transactions, job recruitment, and tender processing. The frequency of bribery was also unusually high, with respondents indicating they were asked for bribes almost every time they visited a government office. Nationally, bribery cases rose from 25.7 per cent to 30.5 per cent between 2023 and 2024, but Uasin Gishu’s sharp increase has attracted particular attention. The county has already been under scrutiny following several investigations, including the December 2024 arrest of a senior lands official and a Senate inquiry into KSh5 billion worth of stalled projects.
Experts say the county’s rapid growth, strategic location, and high-value land market have made it particularly vulnerable to corruption networks. Eldoret’s booming business environment—fueled by agriculture, real estate, and sports investments—has also created fertile ground for bribery, further burdening ordinary residents. Economists warn that rampant corruption could undermine investor confidence, escalate the cost of living, and deepen unemployment, especially among youth who often face bribe demands when seeking jobs. With many residents fearful of reporting corruption due to intimidation or lack of trust in enforcement systems, calls are growing for stronger reforms. As Uasin Gishu leaders confront the findings, anti-corruption bodies say the real test will be whether the county adopts firm, transparent measures to reverse a trend that now threatens to overshadow its economic potential.