- He noted that this has hampered the government's ability to effectively implement the national development agenda.
- "Corruption leads to higher cost of goods and services and often facilitates transfer of illicit funds for criminal activities," he added.
Image: PCS
A State of National Security report forwarded to the Parliament shows that corruption cases increased by 64 per cent in the past year.
In the report, President William Ruto pointed out that between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023, corruption cases were much higher compared to the 28 per cent recorded in the same period in 2022.
In the same period in 2021, the cases reported were 17 per cent.
Ruto regretted that corruption continued to undermine the delivery of public goods and services despite sustained efforts by the government to eradicate the vice.
These measures have been put in place in both public and private institutions.
He noted that this has hampered the government's ability to effectively implement the national development agenda.
"Corruption leads to higher cost of goods and services and often facilitates the transfer of illicit funds for criminal activities."
Ruto also added that the public service is implicated due to loss of funds meant for service delivery.
The President said the government took various steps to mitigate corruption related challenges.
He said the State expedited the conclusion of all corruption cases and hastened the appropriation of property or funds acquired from proceeds of corruption.
This was done through civil recovery processes and plea bargaining.
The government also worked to enhance multi-agency cooperation against corruption and used regional networks to ease cooperation and sharing of information.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) also stepped up investigations into corruption and related cases with the aim of recovering the proceeds of crime.
Among other measures put in place were the continued public community dialogue, awareness campaigns and sustained efforts to enhance capacity within National and County Governments to improve efficiency in the use of public resources.
Further, the government advanced the sustained use of asset recovery strategies and perpetrators were arrested and prosecuted.
To sustain the fight against corruption and related cases, President Ruto said the government will finalize the enactment of the Whistle Blower Protection Bill.
The 2021 Bill aims to support employees to have a conducive environment to report on corrupt activities within an organisation.
There also will be enhancement of witness protection mechanisms and provide resources for safe houses.
The Ruto-led administration will also sustain efforts to implement lifestyle audits for public officers including the consideration of enacting the Lifestyle Audit Bill.
It will also sustain multi-agency collaboration in the criminal justice system and enhance good governance practices within the public and private sectors.
Further, the government assured to continue automation of the services it renders so as to seal revenue leakages.