Kwale: In a significant move aimed at promoting the culture of integrity, transparency and accountability, Kwale County is partnering with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to bolster anti-graft efforts. Area Governor Fatuma Achani says the devolved government will collaborate with the EACC in combating corruption and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in the coastal county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Achani emphasized that success against corruption can only be achieved when all stakeholders ‘work hand in glove’ in creating a society where integrity, accountability, and transparency are upheld for posterity. Achani, Kwale’s first woman governor, stated that her administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards the wastage of public resources.
She urged for a collective approach towards fighting corruption in all its manifestations, which she observed, if left unchecked, will deprive the masses of the dividends of devolution. ‘We are committed to work with the EACC and other stakeholders in strengthening the anti-corruption frameworks at the local level,’ she said, adding that fighting the menace is a collective responsibility.
Achani was speaking when she received a delegation from the EACC led by Commissioner Dr. Monica Wanjiru Muiru who was on a tour of Kwale for the establishment of the County Corruption Prevention Committee (CCPC), a major milestone in institutionalizing integrity at the county level. Achani pledged full support for the CCPC, noting that Kwale will implement key preventive measures to enhance transparency and accountability in service delivery to the residents.
The coastal county boss affirmed her administration’s full support for the anti-corruption initiative and called for the elimination of corruption in procurement and contract costs. She highlighted that the EACC in 2023 has helped the county reclaim a sprawling 32-acre parcel of land in the scenic Chale, returning it to its rightful owners.
Achani was accompanied by Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo, and County Executive Committee Members Michael Mutua, Francisca Kilonzo, and Roman Shera. Dr. Monica stated that corruption continues to siphon public resources from essential sectors like health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, thereby stifling development and exacerbating corruption.
She was accompanied by Deputy Director EACC for Education, Training and Public Awareness Dr. Emily Mworia and Coast Regional EACC Manager Abdulhamid Low among other officials. Dr. Monica emphasized that the EACC remains committed to supporting counties in building ethical, accountable institutions that safeguard public resources from plunder and promote sustainable development.
The EACC Commissioner urged the 47 counties to prioritize the fight against corruption by forming CCPCs, which is a platform for advancing the anti-corruption agenda at the grassroots level. She stated that the CCPC initiative is part of the EACC and GIZ Good Governance Programme that seeks to build a culture of transparency that benefits all citizens.
‘Counties need to foster a conducive environment where integrity, transparency, and accountability thrive and corruption is eradicated,’ she said, adding that counties cannot develop with corruption. She revealed that the EACC will continue to scale up intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting public institutions that provide essential services and are prone to bribery.
Kwale, Kilifi, and Wajir counties have emerged as the most bribery-prone counties according to the EACC in its 2024 National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) which was released in August 2025. The NECS report revealed that for every service sought in Kwale, a person was likely to be asked for a bribe 1.09 times.
The rate stood at 1.03 times in Kilifi and 1.02 times in Wajir and were closely followed by Mandera, Marsabit, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, Muranga, Samburu, Vihiga, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, and Nyamira counties, each recording a 1.00 likelihood score.