The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdi Mohamud has said the introduction of e-Government Procurement will significantly reduce graft in Kenya’s public service.
Mohamud applauded President William Ruto for rejecting the COI Bill and urged Parliament to adopt the changes proposed in the President’s Memorandum. The EACC boss said that the changes proposed by the President will significantly strengthen the fight against corruption.
He made the remarks on July 11, 2025 during the national commemoration of the 9th Edition of the African Anti-Corruption Day at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The event brought together stakeholders from across the public, private, and civil society sectors to raise awareness on the fight against corruption under the theme: “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption.”
The African Anti-Corruption Day, marked annually on July 11, was established by the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) to provide a platform for stakeholders to reflect on anti-corruption efforts and galvanize action across the continent.
This year’s theme highlights the critical link between corruption and human rights, emphasizing how corrupt practices erode public service delivery and compromise the dignity and well-being of citizens.
Speaking during the event, Mohamud described corruption as a “crime against humanity,” citing its devastating effect on governance, service delivery, and public trust.
“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,” said Mohamud.
He reported that the Commission had recovered assets worth approximately Ksh28 billion in the last six years through proactive investigations and averted potential losses estimated at Ksh42 billion.
Ongoing asset recovery efforts target a further Ksh50 billion suspected to have been illicitly acquired.
Mohamud emphasized that recovered assets are being repurposed to restore public welfare and uphold human dignity.
A key example being the recovery of a 60-acre parcel of land initially grabbed, and have it utilized for the provision of affordable and dignified housing for residents of informal settlements.
At the same time, EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde underscored the importance of anti-corruption efforts in protecting national resources that contribute to equitable development.
“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.
Dr. Oginde also called for comprehensive legal and institutional reforms to strengthen the fight against corruption. He stressed the need for independent justice sector actors and an empowered, vigilant citizenry capable of holding leaders and institutions accountable.
Addressing the forum, the former Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai said, “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.”
“Corruption is not just the theft of money; it is the theft of hope, the denial of dignity, and the erosion of citizenship. 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 added.
