The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government is the most prone to corruption and unethical practices, a survey by Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) shows.
The National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2023 said 47.1 per cent of respondents named the ministry as the most susceptible to corruption.
It was followed by the Ministry of Health (13.2 per cent) and Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works (5.8 per cent).
Ministry of Education (5.5 per cent) and Ministry of Defense (5.4 per cent) were fourth and fifth respectively.
The study said the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affair is the least most prone to corruption (0.1 per cent).
Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife (0.2 per cent) and Ministry of Environment and Forestry (0.3 per cent) were second and third last respectively.
The sample size for the survey was computed at 5,100 individuals drawn from 510 clusters distributed across all the 47 counties;
Data collection was preceded by questionnaire design and two days of training held between October 11-12, 2023.
Twenty-five research assistants, supervisors and KNBS coordinators were trained to enhance the quality of data collected.
During the training, the participants were briefed about the EACC mandate, the purpose and objectives of the Survey, data collection methods, and the implications of the analysis.
As part of practical training, the research assistants carried out a pre-test of the questionnaire. Feedback from the pre-test helped in revision and refinement of the questionnaire.
Data collection was conducted from October 13 to November 4, 2023.
In his message, EACC chair David Oginde said the corrosive effects of corruption diminish private and public sector investments, hinder economic growth, contribute to political instability and foster insecurity.
“Corruption assumes various forms perpetrated by different actors, ranging from small bribes to more intricate schemes like kickbacks, fraud, collusion, embezzlement, extortion, influence peddling, and beneficial ownership,” he said.
He encouraged Kenyans and other stakeholders to work proactively with the commission towards eliminating corruption and promoting ethical practices in the country.