According to findings from the National Ethics and Corruption Survey, Kenyans shell out an average of Ksh163,260 in bribes to secure employment. This survey, released recently by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, also reveals that individuals seeking passports typically part with Ksh74,428, while those in need of a police abstract pay around Ksh20,300. Other services that attract substantial bribes include obtaining tenders, resolving land conflicts, securing power connections or settling bills, bailing arrested individuals, transferring pupils between schools, obtaining business permits, and seeking police security.
The report, based on data gathered from 5,100 households nationwide, highlights that employees at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) top the list of bribe-takers, with an average bribe amounting to Ksh81,801, followed by Judiciary personnel at Ksh49,611. Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) ranks third at Ksh40,000, with County Government Offices following closely at Ksh26,223. Other institutions where bribes are prevalent include Kenya Power and Lighting Company, County Public Service Boards, the Immigration Department, and the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Furthermore, the report indicates that West Pokot County records the highest average amount of bribes at Ksh56,695, trailed by Nairobi, Murang’a, Kisii, Uasin Gishu, and Kitui. Baringo, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Machakos counties are identified as areas where individuals are most likely to encounter requests for bribes, averaging 1.34 times, 1.12 times, 1.11 times, and 1.09 times, respectively.
In contrast, Kilifi County reports the lowest average bribe amount at Ksh162, followed by Tana River and Kakamega counties. The pervasive issue of bribery and corruption in Kenya has long been a concern, with former President Uhuru Kenyatta estimating that the country suffers losses of Ksh2 billion per day due to corruption.
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