Kenyans might have to part with more money for bribes in 2018 if a new report released on Wednesday by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption (EACC) following a nationwide survey is anything to go by.
The average bribe paid for services across the country grew to Sh7,081.05 in the 2016/17 financial year, up from Sh5,648.58 the previous year.
This represents a 25 percent increase which the EACC has pinned on muscling for tenders and jobs.
Bribes given to obtain tenders were found to be the highest, with bribes for job placements coming second.
“Obtaining tenders raked in the highest average bribe of Sh196,987.82 followed by seeking employment with Sh63,687.39,” the report read in part.
[caption caption="EACC Chairman Eliud Wabukala"]
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Procurement battles for big government projects were also singled out for being responsible for several cases.
Major state departments and public officials have been drawn into the murky world of tender battles in education, health, transport and infrastructure among other sectors.
Out of 3,375 cases filed with the EACC in the last financial year; bribery allegations constituted 36 percent, embezzlement of public funds 22 percent and unethical conduct 11 percent.
Low and mid-level officers in organizations were identified as being key-players in most corrupt deals.
“It is clear that majority of the cases received concern individuals in the middle and lower level hierarchy of organisations accounting for over 80 percent of the reports received,” EACC noted.
[caption caption="EACC's Integrity Centre Headquarters"]
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