The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has named counties with the highest share of national bribes.
In a report released on August 5, 2025, EACC stated the largest share of national bribes was paid in Uasin-Gishu County (11.12%), followed by Baringo (6.94%), Embu (5.54%), Homabay (5.32%), and Bomet (5.01%) counties.
“The largest share of national bribes was paid in Uasin-Gishu County (11.12%), followed by Baringo (6.94%), Embu (5.54%), Homabay (5.32%), and Bomet (5.01%) counties,” read part of the report.
According to the EACC 2024 report, other counties with a notable share of national bribes include Kakamega (4.30%), Tana River (4.12%), Kiambu (3.43%), Nyamira (3.33%), and Wajir (3.13%).
EACC Names Counties Leading in Corruption in Kenya
Below is a list of counties with the highest reported levels of corruption.
| County | Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Uasin Gishu | 11.12% |
| Baringo | 6.94% |
| Embu | 5.54% |
| Homabay | 5.32% |
| Bomet | 5.01% |
| Kakamega | 4.30% |
| Tana River | 4.12% |
| Kiambu | 3.43% |
| Nyamira | 3.33% |
| Wajir | 3.13% |
| Kilifi | 2.87% |
| Meru | 2.55% |
| Nakuru | 2.41% |
| Vihiga | 2.40% |
| Kajiado | 2.39% |
| Nyandarua | 2.12% |
| Garissa | 2.06% |
| Nairobi | 2.03% |
| Samburu | 2.01% |
| Narok | 1.72% |
| Tharaka Nithi | 1.60% |
| Nyeri | 1.58% |
| Siaya | 1.48% |
| Kwale | 1.34% |
| Nandi | 1.33% |
| Kirinyaga | 1.25% |
| Murang’a | 1.25% |
| Lamu | 1.21% |
| Kitui | 1.21% |
| Makueni | 1.14% |
| Laikipia | 1.12% |
| Machakos | 1.12% |
| Mandera | 1.07% |
| Kisii | 1.05% |
| Migori | 0.95% |
| Kisumu | 0.83% |
| Mombasa | 0.81% |
| West Pokot | 0.68% |
| Bungoma | 0.65% |
| Taita Taveta | 0.63% |
| Kericho | 0.57% |
| Elgeyo/Marakwet | 0.53% |
| Trans Nzoia | 0.47% |
| Busia | 0.47% |
| Turkana | 0.38% |
| Marsabit | 0.30% |
| Isiolo | 0.14% |
Also Read: EACC Recovers Grabbed Land Parcels Worth Sh320M in 2 Counties
Reasons Why Kenyans Paid Bribes
The report further examined the reasons why many Kenyans paid bribes and sought to establish whether any of these incidents were reported.
“Further, the Survey sought to establish the number of respondents who were asked to pay a bribe in order to be given a service, the reasons why they complied, and whether they reported those incidents. Notably, the proportion of respondents who were asked to pay a bribe in exchange for a service increased to 25.4% in 2024, up from 17.7% in 2023,” read part of the report.
According to the report, the most common reason for giving a bribe was that it was demanded, with 43.3% of respondents indicating this as the main cause.
This was followed by 23.3% who stated that it was the only way to access the service, and 18.0% who gave a bribe to avoid delays in service. Another 7.2% reported offering bribes to avoid problems with authorities, while 3.1% said it was expected of them.
A smaller proportion of respondents admitted to giving bribes voluntarily (2.4%), or to access a service they did not legally deserve (1.3%). Others paid bribes to avoid paying the full cost of a service (0.8%), to get a job (0.2%), or to be transferred to SHA (0.1%).
Only 0.1% cited giving bribes because it is a norm.
How Bribe Was Paid
The majority of respondents (99.5%) during the survey paid bribes in the form of cash, with only a small fraction (0.5%) offering food and drink instead.
Additionally, most bribes (75.6%) were paid before the service was provided, while 18.5% were paid during the service, 3.1% after the service, and 2.8% were paid partly before and partly after the service.
“The majority of the respondents paid bribes in the form of monetary (cash) (99.5%), while only a few paid in the form of food and drink (0.5%). In addition, the majority of respondents (75.6%) paid the bribe before the service was offered,” read part of the report.
