Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to camp in the county and arrest those involved in corruption, following an EACC report on widespread bribery. The report flags Kakamega for the highest average bribe of Ksh79,305. Speaking at a funeral, Barasa put county officials on notice.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa spoke on Friday, April 10, at the funeral of Principal Caroline Khamete at Kakamega County Polytechnic. These were his first public comments on the EACC National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025.
"Kakamega is one of the most corrupt counties in terms of services. Leading is the magistrates' services here. When you talk about the county government, it is the national government officials and the county government officials. I know that report. I’ve read it very well," Barasa said.
He warned, "I want to tell the county officials in Kakamega County, having read that report, that I am putting you on notice. We are going to be on the lookout and only employ honest people."
Barasa also urged the EACC to increase its presence in Kakamega. "I want to call upon the EACC to come and camp in Kakamega so that we can arrest all those who are involved in corruption," he added.
The EACC report noted Kakamega's average bribe of Ksh79,305, the highest nationally. Others included West Pokot at Ksh16,400, Isiolo at Ksh13,912, Vihiga at Ksh12,309, and Garissa at Ksh12,297. Compiled with KNBS and TI Kenya, it highlighted bribery in services like birth certificates, national IDs, and driving licences.
In Bungoma, Governor Kenneth Lusaka dismissed senior officials including CECMs, the County Attorney, and County Secretary to improve governance. He cited his constitutional mandate, with interim arrangements to follow.