The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has identified county health departments as facing the highest levels of corruption. Patients are compelled to offer bribes to access services and medication. This was highlighted during the launch of the Homa Bay County Anti-Corruption Committee.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has listed county health departments as the institutions facing the highest levels of corruption within county governments. The commission's study reveals that patients are forced to give bribes to receive services and obtain medicine in the health sector, which is intended to protect citizens' welfare.
The study also uncovers that county transport and land offices are other areas rife with corruption, where residents often must offer bribes before accessing essential services. According to the findings, most bribes are given after being solicited, involving 43.3% of cases. Over 23.3% are paid by citizens seeking services, and 18% to avoid delays.
Health services are the most affected, accounting for 45.1% of reported corruption incidents. The transport sector follows with 9.1%, and agriculture with 7.9%.
EACC Commissioner Dr. Cecilia Mutuku stated that these levels arise from citizens' dissatisfaction with county services. “In the health sector, for example, some patients feel they must give bribes to get medicine from the hospital,” Dr. Mutuku said. She noted that this is from the commission's annual study, and the health sector has repeatedly been a major issue. Two years ago, the EACC conducted a special study on health, highlighting challenges that require urgent action.
Dr. Mutuku made these remarks while witnessing the launch of the Homa Bay County Anti-Corruption Committee, formed by governors as part of the EACC's strategy to identify system gaps and remove officials demanding bribes in county administration. “We must improve health services so Kenyans get better care without being forced to give anything,” she said. She emphasized the importance of robust anti-corruption systems for sustainable development, along with cooperation from the Council of Governors.
EACC officials have urged major reforms in the health sector to ensure citizens receive services without additional costs.