EACC recovers Ksh.3.4B, averts Ksh.16.5B public losses this year – Report

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has reported a major rise in asset recovery and corruption disruption efforts over the 2024/2025 financial year, with the agency recovering Ksh.3.4 billion worth of assets and averting losses valued at Ksh.16.5 billion.

The annual report, launched Monday at Integrity Centre, shows the Commission filed 79 recovery suits targeting assets worth Ksh.4.8 billion, the highest number recorded in five years.

The Commission also recorded a sharp rise in convictions, from 12 to 33, alongside an increase in finalised cases from 45 to 54.

EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud said the gains reflect strengthened enforcement and improved intelligence operations, which the anti-graft body has been carrying out across the country.

“During the FY 2024/2025, the Commission filed 79 new cases in court seeking recovery of corruptly acquired assets… During the same period, the Commission successfully recovered assets worth Ksh.3.4 billion,” he said.

Mohamud underscored that enhanced disruption efforts helped stop major losses before they occurred.

“The Commission heightened its intelligence capabilities resulting to disruptions that averted loss of Ksh.16.5 billion worth of public assets,” he said.

According to the report, EACC processed 4,183 corruption reports, with 1,846 taken up for investigation. A further 166 integrity tests were conducted, contributing to the record level of losses averted.

The commission’s Chairperson Dr. David Oginde on his part linked the agency’s reforms to growing public demand for accountability, noting that the Gen Z–led protests earlier this year underscored frustrations around corruption and misuse of public resources.

“The Gen Z–led protests reminded us that corruption is not an abstract concept; it affects livelihoods, access to public services, opportunities for advancement, and ultimately, the social contract,” he said.

The EACC boss highlighted legal and policy developments that boosted the anti-graft framework, including the enactment of the Conflict of Interest Act, adoption of the Anti-Corruption Guiding Framework, and digitization of public procurement through e-GP.

“These reforms affirm a simple truth: when the policy and legal environment is strengthened, the fight against corruption gains real momentum,” he added.

The report also cites progress in tracing high-value assets, preserving Ksh.2.685 billion in property, and advancing 14 proactive investigations. Bribery remained the most reported offence at 37 per cent, followed by embezzlement of public funds.

Despite the gains, the Commission pointed to persistent setbacks including weak enforcement of Chapter Six, witness interference, intimidation of officers, institutional silos and widespread public apathy.

As Kenya marks International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, EACC called for stronger collaboration across state agencies, civil society and the public to sustain momentum.

Dr. Oginde urged Kenyans to remain engaged and demand accountability across all public institutions.

“Corruption is not inevitable, and it is certainly not invincible. But it thrives when good people stay silent,” he stated.