The national average bribe paid by Kenyans more than halved in 2024 compared to the previous year, a new report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has revealed.
However, the number of citizens asked to pay bribes has increased significantly.
According to the National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) 2024, the average bribe dropped to Sh4,878 from Sh11,625 in 2023 — a decrease of more than 58 per cent.
Despite the drop in bribe size, the survey found that more Kenyans were asked to pay bribes in 2024, with 25.4 per cent of respondents reporting such demands — up from 17.7 per cent in 2023.
“On average, services where respondents paid the largest amount of bribes were while seeking employment from the county executive (Sh243,651), followed by obtaining a tender from the national government (Sh100,000), and seeking a TSC placement (Sh72,665),” the report states.
Institutions where the highest bribes were paid included: Kenya Wildlife Service (Sh200,000), National Social Security Fund (Sh47,129), National Treasury-Pensions Department-(Sh40,000)
Counties with the highest average bribe amounts included: Uasin Gishu (Sh25,873), Baringo (Sh16,156), Embu (Sh12,878), Homa Bay (Sh12,381) and Bomet (Sh11,650).
On why Kenyans paid bribes, 43.3 per cent said it was
because the bribe was demanded, 23.3 per cent indicated it was the only way to
access a service and 18 per cent paid to avoid delays.
Yet, despite widespread experience with bribery, a staggering 97.2 per cent of victims did not report the incident, with only 2.8 per cent filing complaints with authorities.
The NECS 2024 was conducted in line with Article 254(1) of the Constitution, the EACC Act (2011), and the Leadership and Integrity Act (2012).
The survey sampled 5,960 households out of a targeted 6,000 and collected data between November 6 and December 1, 2024 using digital tools for accuracy and efficiency.
The survey aimed to assess the magnitude of corruption and unethical conduct, gauge public perception and experience, and evaluate access to anti-corruption services and the effectiveness of government initiatives.
