Transparency International Kenya (TI Kenya) has urged the government to implement bold anti-corruption reforms to enhance the fight against graft and impunity in the country. In its latest report titled Rubber Meets the Road, the anti-corruption watchdog presents key recommendations aimed at strengthening the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Judiciary, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The report underscores the need for institutional independence, legal reforms, and enhanced enforcement mechanisms as critical steps in tackling corruption. TI Kenya advocates for granting the EACC full operational and financial autonomy to shield it from political interference, ensuring its effectiveness in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. The agency also calls for the expansion of the EACC’s jurisdiction to include strict enforcement of integrity requirements across all levels of governance, including county governments.
Public sensitization on corruption is another key area highlighted in the report. TI Kenya stresses that raising awareness among citizens will empower them to demand accountability from leaders and institutions. Additionally, the watchdog points out significant challenges faced by the EACC, including inadequate funding and staffing, which hinder its capacity to conduct thorough investigations.
Judicial inefficiencies also pose a major setback in the anti-corruption fight. The report notes that case backlogs, lack of specialized anti-corruption courts, and legal loopholes exploited by defense teams delay justice and embolden corrupt individuals. TI Kenya recommends the Judiciary prioritize corruption-related cases and establish clear legal definitions to eliminate ambiguities that stall proceedings.
The ODPP is urged to establish specialized teams for asset verification and financial investigations to build stronger cases. TI Kenya emphasizes the importance of collaboration between investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial bodies to ensure airtight legal proceedings. However, the ODPP faces hurdles such as political interference and weak law enforcement investigations, leading to selective prosecutions and acquittals.
Ultimately, TI Kenya stresses that combating corruption requires a united effort from the government, Judiciary, independent agencies, and the public. Without collective action, the fight against graft will remain a distant goal.
