EACC recovers Sh28 bn assets, prevents Sh41 bn loss in five years

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has handed over assets worth around Sh28 billion to the government over the past five years. The assets include cash, as well as movable and immovable property.

In its efforts to combat corruption, the Commission has also prevented the loss of public funds totalling an estimated Sh41 billion through targeted strategies designed to dismantle corruption networks.

The EACC is also pursuing the forfeiture of unexplained wealth valued at approximately Sh59 billion through ongoing court proceedings against individuals whose assets and interests significantly exceed their known legitimate sources of income.

Speaking at State House during the handover ceremony, President William Ruto lauded the Commission for the recovery of the assets and urged the beneficiaries to establish robust mechanisms to protect the assets and prevent further illegal acquisition.

“Such successes play a vital role in deterring corruption by demonstrating that, in the end, corruption is not worth the trouble, as the corrupt ultimately lose everything they have taken from the people,” he said.

The Commission has futher recovered land located in various parts of the country, including Nairobi, Kisii, Nakuru, Bungoma, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, and Kisumu counties.

President Ruto said one of the land reclaimed from private individuals who unlawfully seized it from the Meteorological Department is now being used for affordable housing development in Nairobi's Industrial Area, off Enterprise Road.

“This land, measuring 21.04 hectares, had been unlawfully taken from the Meteorological Department by private individuals. The recovery of such assets reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and fulfilling its obligations as a member of the international community under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC),” he said.

He insisted that the government remains resolute in reducing opportunities for corruption and abuse of office, and in ensuring that the corrupt do not enjoy the proceeds of their illicit actions.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the rule of law, enhancing access to justice, and promoting national values and governance principles.

“Corruption is a serious threat to our nation. It undermines service delivery, weakens public policy, compromises the public interest, and erodes our institutions, depriving the government of the capacity to secure the country and deliver development. Corruption endangers us all, both individually and collectively.”

He said the government is working on a series of amendments to be presented to Parliament aimed at promoting accountable leadership and integrity in governance.

“I will propose amendments to the Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Code, along with other relevant legislative updates to statutes concerning corruption. These amendments will expedite the investigation and prosecution of corruption and economic crimes, ensuring that such cases are concluded within six months,” he said.

We will build the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission's (EACC) capacity to enforce integrity and accountability. This will foster a facilitative environment that advances Kenya’s transformative agenda and boost service delivery.

During the handing over of assets recovered by… pic.twitter.com/oObjIzDXWO

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 11, 2024

Ruto further announced plans to propose amendments to the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, to overhaul the institutional and operational framework of public procurement, which has been identified as a key area for corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office in the public sector.

“These amendments aim to deploy digital infrastructure to create an open, transparent public procurement platform, allowing real-time, end-to-end public visibility of the entire process, from advertisement to contract award,” Ruto said.

President Ruto urged Parliament to swiftly pass the Conflict of Interests Bill and vowed to veto any legislation that fails to meet high standards of accountability and anti-corruption measures.