The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission(EACC) plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Kenya Editors’ Guild (KEG) to strengthen collaboration with the media in the fight against corruption.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud said the MoU will be signed on the coming Friday on November 28, 2025 during the Guild’s annual convention in Kilifi.
Mohamud said the media remains a crucial partner in shaping public debate, exposing wrongdoing, and holding institutions accountable.
"The media acts as both a powerful ally and a vigilant watchdog,” he said.
“Strengthening our partnership is key to building a society grounded in honesty, fairness and justice.”
He spoke on Wednesday during a meeting with journalists in Mombasa, part of a series of capacity-building workshops the Commission has been running across the country.
EACC has so far conducted four workshops for journalists in Nyeri, Machakos, Nakuru and Kisumu.
Mohamud said the engagements were improving the accuracy of reporting and building public confidence in the anti-corruption effort.
“I acknowledge the continued close working relationship that I can say is bearing fruits,” he said.
The CEO also thanked development partners supporting the programme.
“We appreciate the European Union (EU) and UNODC through the PLEAD II programme for providing the resources that make these initiatives possible,” he said.
Mohamud outlined the Commission’s performance in the last financial year.
EACC finalised 175 investigation files and forwarded them to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The agency recorded 33 convictions for corruption and unethical conduct.
It traced unexplained or illegally acquired assets worth Sh22.9 billion, recovered Sh3.4 billion, and prevented the loss of Sh16.6 billion through proactive interventions.
He added that the coastal region continues to register major gains in asset recovery.
“In the last three financial years, the Commission has recovered landed properties valued at Sh1.36 billion through the Lower Coast Regional Office,” he said.
He added that the office is pursuing an additional Sh10.3 billion in assets.
Mohamud said corruption cases being pursued in the region include bribery, tax evasion, non-payment of import duty and the release of substandard goods into the black market.
He closed his remarks with a call for joint action.
“The fight against corruption cannot be won by EACC alone. It requires the support of every sector," he said.
"We share a common goal: a society where corruption is not tolerated and where integrity and transparency guide our institutions.”
EACC Director for Field Services and Coordination Jackson Mue outlined the Commission’s mandate, which includes law enforcement, investigations, asset recovery and disruption of corruption networks.
He said the agency also conducts undercover operations, enforces ethics, issues advisories and cautions and verifies integrity within public institutions.
Mue noted that the Commission carries out corruption risk assessments, systems examinations and promotes ethics and leadership standards.
He said public education remains central to the Commission’s work.
Activities include training, sensitisation, media outreach and running integrity clubs.
The Commission has a working relationship with the media, which is being improved so as to sustain the fight against corruption.
In April, Mohamud called on the media to enhance collaboration with the commission in the fight against corruption.
Speaking then at the KEG Press Club at Sarova Hotel, Nairobi , Mohamud stressed that the fight against corruption cannot be won by EACC alone and urged the media to remain proactive in exposing corruption.
“I invite the media to work closely with us. Together, we can ensure that corruption does not rob our nation of a bright future,” he said.
Then, he announced plans for structured engagements, training, and capacity-building programs to strengthen cooperation between the EACC and journalists.
Mohamud emphasised the media’s critical role in shaping public discourse and holding leaders accountable.
“The media plays a pivotal role in exposing wrongdoing and ensuring accountability. In the fight against corruption, the media acts as both a powerful ally and a vigilant watchdog,” he said.
The event, held under the theme “Turning the Tide: From Stolen Assets to Public Good,” focused on asset recovery and the reinvestment of recovered assets for the benefit of the public.
