EACC Exposes KSh385 Million Scandal Involving Kenyan Public Officers

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has exposed a series of alleged corruption scandals involving public officers accused of benefiting from government tenders worth millions of shillings, using forged academic certificates and engaging in questionable procurement deals.

In its third-quarter report covering July to September 2026, the commission detailed investigations into public officials suspected of using their positions to benefit private businesses linked to themselves and their relatives.

One of the most significant cases involves a Senior Clerical Officer in the State Department for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, who was allegedly associated with 10 companies that received KSh385.9 million from the Ministry of Environment over 10 financial years.

According to the EACC, the officer failed to disclose his interests in tenders awarded to the companies, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the management of public funds.

Investigators also alleged that the companies’ directors, proprietors and bank signatories engaged in transactions intended to conceal the origin of the money.

The commission recommended charges against the officer and the companies involved.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions returned the file in July 2026, directing investigators to conduct further inquiries.

The report also highlighted investigations involving public officers in Turkana, Kitui and Siaya counties over alleged irregularities in the award of government tenders.

In Turkana County, a Principal Finance Officer was investigated after a company linked to his family received more than KSh62.6 million through 17 tenders. Investigators alleged that the officer received KSh36.7 million through a bank account under his control.

In Kitui, an Agriculture Chief Officer was investigated over five companies that received approximately KSh14.1 million in county contracts.

Meanwhile, a Siaya County case involved a company that received KSh30 million through 16 contracts, with investigators identifying alleged irregular payments and possible procurement irregularities.

The EACC also exposed cases involving public employees who allegedly secured employment using forged academic documents.

A former Kenya Airports Authority driver reportedly earned more than KSh10.5 million after allegedly obtaining employment using a forged KCSE certificate.

In another case, a Taita Taveta County official allegedly presented a forged university degree and earned approximately KSh6 million.

The commission said it had forwarded 50 investigation files to the DPP during the reporting period, recommending prosecution in 43 cases.

The revelations have renewed calls for stronger oversight of public procurement, verification of academic qualifications and accountability in government institutions.

However, the allegations remain subject to the relevant legal processes, and individuals implicated in the investigations should not be considered guilty unless proven so in court.

https://peopledaily.digital/news/eacc-flags-public-officers-over-ksh385m-deals-fake-degrees-and-bribery?fbclid=IwdGRjcAVUVQtjbGNrBVRUemV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YFc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEf0TX9S5qMQhwj-hg_f9UC0Pt5h_cBQQCmXlXNE5-5tS_EBakUlvMqSpRpOTs_aem_I2PCoTbxYAcumqJYpLr3Pg

Musyokasam feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com