County heads on notice as EACC cracks down on end-of-year fraud
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said it is closely monitoring county transactions and will take legal action against any public officers found facilitating irregular payouts.
County governments have been put on notice by the anti-graft watchdog over a likely increase in fraudulent payments and fabricated pending bills as the 2024/2025 financial year comes to a close.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) said it is closely monitoring county transactions and will take legal action against any public officers found facilitating irregular payouts.
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Speaking on behalf of EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud, the Commission’s Regional Manager for Western, Eric Ngumbi, warned that corrupt public officers often exploit the final weeks of the financial year to execute fraudulent schemes.
“As we approach the closure of the current financial year on June 30, 2025, the commission is aware that, at such a time, corrupt public officials may hatch fraudulent schemes to loot public funds through fictitious payments or diversion of funds meant to pay legitimate suppliers,” Abdi said.
He cautioned that any effort to obstruct investigations by withholding requested documents would be treated as a criminal offence.
“Let it be clear to all county officials that when EACC requests documents or information required for investigation, it is mandatory that the documents are promptly made available to the commission. Failure to do so amounts to obstructing the commission in the discharge of its mandate, which is a criminal offence under the law,” Abdi warned.
Ngumbi, while reiterating the commission’s position, reminded accounting officers that they risk personal liability should they authorise or enable irregular payments.
“Any person found to have made or facilitated irregular or unlawful payments will be held personally liable,” he said during the official opening of a three-day integrity and anti-corruption workshop for Bungoma County leaders in Kisumu.
He further stressed that fighting corruption is not solely EACC’s responsibility, saying all public servants must play their part.
“Corruption thrives where leaders who have sworn to serve the people betray public trust and become complicit in acts of theft of public funds. Every shilling stolen is a child denied education, a mother denied healthcare, and a community denied development,” Ngumbi said.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who presided over the opening of the forum, echoed the commission’s sentiments, pledging his administration’s commitment to integrity and ethical leadership.
“Let me be clear: there is no place for corruption, favouritism, or negligence in this administration. We must be bold in making difficult decisions that promote ethical governance,” Lusaka added.
He urged county executives to embrace the values in Chapter Six of the Constitution and to lead by example.
“The fight against corruption is not the responsibility of investigative agencies alone; it begins with our conduct, our decisions, and our leadership. This program brings together the senior-most staff in the County Government… Your individual and collective commitment to integrity will shape the future of Bungoma County for generations to come,” he said.
EACC also outlined a five-point anti-corruption strategy aimed at deterring graft and restoring public trust. These include intensified asset tracing, thorough budget analysis, integrity testing at service points, and stronger collaboration with oversight bodies.
The three-day workshop brings together senior county officials, including County Executive Committee Members (CECs), Chief Officers, and members of the County Public Service Board. It seeks to strengthen internal controls and entrench a culture of accountability and transparency in county service delivery.
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