EACC cautions public against bribery in upcoming police recruitment

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has warned parents and guardians against engaging in bribery as the country prepares for the National Police Service (NPS) recruitment exercise that was initially slated for Monday, November 17, 2025, but has since been set aside by the court.

EACC CEO Abdi A. Mohamud said the Commission had received worrying reports from previous recruitments where parents sold land or held harambees to raise bribe money in hopes of securing admission for their children.

Mohamud cautioned Kenyans against falling prey to conmen who exploit such recruitment drives by posing as “facilitators” promising shortcuts for a fee.

“In previous mass recruitments, the Commission has received alarming reports of parents and guardians resorting to fundraising, selling family land, or exhausting life savings in desperate attempts to secure admission for their children by bribing public officials,” said Mohamud in a speech delivered on his behalf by EACC Western Regional Manager Eric Ngumbi during a capacity-building forum for senior officials of the County Assembly of Bungoma in Kisumu.

“In some cases, conmen posing as facilitators emerge promising shortcuts for a fee, which end up in extortion of vulnerable and unsuspecting members of the public.”

Mohamud emphasised that bribery in the police recruitment process undermines merit and accountability and has far-reaching consequences for communities.

According to EACC, individuals who join the Service through illicit means are more likely to lack integrity and become susceptible to corruption during training and deployment, thereby eroding public trust in law enforcement.

“Bribery in police recruitment has the potential to undermine merit, competence, and accountability with the consequences extending beyond the individual recruit to the citizens they serve and eventually the entire society,” he said.

“The fight against corruption is a fight for justice, fairness, and the future of our nation. I urge each of you to stand against bribery, report suspected cases promptly, and be part of the solution—not the problem.”

The anti-graft boss urged members of the public to report any cases of bribery to the Commission, warning that both candidates and recruitment officials who engage in corrupt practices would face legal consequences.

“Candidates should not offer any bribes, gifts, or other favours to influence the recruitment. Any suspected case of bribery in the recruitment process should be immediately reported to EACC or other relevant authorities,” he said.

“Officials involved in the recruitment process should not accept bribes or other favours from candidates.”

Additionally, Mohamud also revealed that the Commission had intensified efforts to recover public funds lost through irregular tenders in counties.

“The Commission will continue to create a hostile environment for the corrupt—not only through investigations for prosecution purposes but also by vigorously pursuing any public funds paid under illegal contracts,” he said.

Consequently, the CEO warned that individuals who secure public employment using forged academic certificates will not only face prosecution but will also be compelled to refund all salaries and benefits earned.

“Individuals who secure employment using forged certificates will not only be recommended for prosecution but will also be required to refund all salaries and benefits earned since they amount to fraudulent acquisition of public property,” Mohamud warned.

The Kisumu meeting, attended by senior officials of the Bungoma County Assembly, was part of a three-day capacity-building program aimed at strengthening internal controls and enhancing accountability in county operations.