The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has announced that it is pursuing the recovery of public assets worth Sh50 billion, suspected to have been acquired through corruption.
The Commission’s CEO, Abdi Mohamud, revealed that they had already recovered assets valued at approximately Sh28 billion over the past six years and averted potential losses of an estimated Sh42 billion.
He said the Commission is intensifying efforts to trace, freeze and repossess stolen assets in a bid to restore public trust and dignity.
“In addition, we are currently pursuing forfeiture of corruptly acquired assets worth approximately Sh50 billion. Successfully recovered, these assets will be pumped back to the economy, alleviating the burden of those from whom the assets were stolen,” he said.
“Our focus has been to ensure that what is taken from the public is returned to benefit the public. Recovered assets are being repurposed to restore public welfare and uphold human dignity.”
The announcement was made during the national commemoration of the 9th African Anti-Corruption Day at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
One key example highlighted by the CEO was the recovery of a 60-acre parcel of land that had been grabbed.
The land is now being used to provide affordable and dignified housing for residents of informal settlements.
This year’s Anti-Corruption Day was observed under the theme “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption.”
Mohamud underscored the link between corruption and human rights violations, describing the vice as “a crime against humanity.”
“Corruption continues to stifle the economy, deny citizens access to basic rights such as healthcare, safe environments, and essential government services. But most critically, it undermines human dignity,” he said.
The African Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated annually on July 11, following its establishment by the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).
The day provides a platform for stakeholders to reflect on progress and renew their commitment to the anti-corruption fight across the continent.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde emphasised that protecting public resources is essential to advancing human dignity and equity.
“We aim at protecting resources that will in turn ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, that every family has access to basic necessities, and that every citizen is treated with fairness and respect,” he said.
Oginde also called for institutional and legal reforms to bolster the anti-corruption agenda, stressing the need for strong, independent justice systems and active citizen engagement.
He praised the youth across Africa for their increasing demand for ethical leadership and accountability.
Former Attorney General Githu Muigai, who served as the Chief Guest, delivered a powerful speech linking corruption to societal decay.
“At its core, corruption is a direct assault on human dignity. It erodes the value, rights, and worth of individuals, especially the most vulnerable in our society,” he said.
He warned that corruption distorts justice and equal opportunity.
“Corruption is not just the theft of money; it is the theft of hope, the denial of dignity, and the erosion of citizenship,” Muigai stated.
“It tells people that who you know matters more than what you need. It says access to justice, jobs, or medical care depends on a bribe, not a right.”
He also reminded attendees that the responsibility to fight corruption extends beyond institutions.
“Citizens are not mere spectators; they are sovereigns in our democracy,” he said, adding that “every corrupt public official has a willing private accomplice.”
The event was coordinated by the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF), a multi-sectoral platform comprising 20 sectors, with the EACC serving as its secretariat.
Members include the Executive, Judiciary, Legislature, County Governments, constitutional commissions, civil society, private sector, professional bodies, faith-based organisations and development partners.
