EACC: Desperate and cornered, Kenyans turn to bribes to survive

Ethics and Anticorruption Commission chairman David Oginde (right) receives a copy of the National Ethics and Corruption survey report 2024 from Director of Ethics and Leadership John Lolkoloi (left) and Vice Chairperson Monica Muiru after its launch at the Integrity Centre on August 5, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

Kenyans are increasingly struggling to access public services, often forced to pay even for essential services such as healthcare, a new report reveals.

The findings place the police, immigration offices and civil registration agencies at the centre of Kenya’s thriving bribery economy, where citizens are routinely forced to pay to obtain basic services.