High corruption alert! Kenya ranks 130 out of 181 in latest Global Corruption Index

Kenya is among the countries experiencing high levels of corruption with no signs of progress, a 2025 Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International shows.

The report, released on February 10, shows that Kenya’s score dropped to 30 out of 100, compared to 32 in 2024. Kenya was ranked at position 130 out of 181, being featured among nations where corruption remains a serious threat and with limited signs of progress. 

According to findings by Transparency International, Kenya trails behind its East African peers, Rwanda and Tanzania, which ranked at 58 and 40, respectively.

Kenya was also below the Sub-Saharan African average (32), placing it among the lower-performing nations in a region already struggling with high corruption levels.

Rwanda, the least corrupt country in Eastern Africa, had shown signs of progress since 2024, while Tanzania had taken a step back from its 2024 progress. 

While Kenya struggled with corruption in 2025, Uganda and DR Congo recorded high corruption. Very high corruption was observed in Burundi, as in Somalia and South Sudan, which were found to be in a critical state.

The report also notes a rise in civic actions against corruption as anti-government protests in many parts of the world show populations that are fed up with unaccountable leadership and are demanding reform.

“At a time when we’re seeing a dangerous disregard for international norms from some states, we’re calling on governments and leaders to act with integrity and live up to their responsibilities to provide a better future for people around the world,” said François Valérian, the chair of Transparency International. 

The global body advocates for renewed political leadership on anti-corruption, protection of the civic space and closing of secrecy loopholes.