EACC report exposes deep-rooted corruption in traffic police unit, calls for its disbandment

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recommended the disbandment of the current traffic unit and periodic rotation of officers handling traffic duties to curb widespread extortion and bribery within the National Police Service (NPS).

An audit conducted between February and June 2025 revealed deep-rooted corruption across the service, with the traffic department singled out as the most compromised.

The findings indicate that proceeds from these illegal collections are channelled up the chain of command, institutionalising bribery within the traffic unit, with some officers fabricating charges against operators who fail to pay.

The report shows that traffic officers routinely subject Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) to daily and route-level extortion, collecting “protection fees” from matatu SACCOs and boda boda riders, often under directives from their seniors.

“They expose all PSVs to routine daily extortion. There were also allegations of targets given to these officers by their seniors,” said EACC Director of Preventive Services Vincent Okongo, who presented the report on Thursday at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong.

“For boda boda and matatu SACCOs, they also collect protection fees — and if you don’t give, they fabricate charges against you."

Speaking during the presentation, EACC Secretary and CEO Abdi Mohamud described the report as a “bold statement” of intent by the NPS to “right a past characterised by diminished public trust and perceptions of corruption.”

“This was not a fault-finding exercise, but one geared towards strengthening governance systems and making them more resilient to corruption vulnerabilities,” said Mohamud, who commended Inspector General Douglas Kanja and his deputies for their cooperation during the process.

The systems audit examined policies, procedures, and practices across core departments of the NPS, including the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs Unit, and police training colleges.

It cited irregularities in recruitment, transfers, and deployments, manipulation of disciplinary procedures, and non-compliance with the NPS Act.

The report also flagged inconsistent bail management, protection fees collected from business operators, poor sanitation in detention facilities, and politically influenced or punitive transfers.

“There were many issues to do with recruitment — interference from senior police, and officers bribing to be transferred. Transfers were also used to punish some officers,” Okongo stated.

The audit further highlighted weak oversight mechanisms and delays in implementing reforms such as establishing a Service Examination Board, Complaints Management Policy, and Fleet Management Board. Other gaps include understaffing at the Internal Affairs Unit, poor management of police equipment, and a lack of proper ownership documentation for police land.

To address the systemic weaknesses, EACC recommended the full implementation of the NPS Act and related regulations, development of a corruption prevention framework, automation of recruitment and cash bail systems, regular audits and sting operations, and adoption of technology such as body-worn cameras to enhance accountability.

“Let this report not gather dust on shelves. Let it mark a renewed commitment by leadership, officers, and citizens to rebuild this vital institution,” said EACC Chairperson David Oginde.

On his part, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the service will act on the findings.

“We have received the report that we had requested EACC to investigate in February. We are going to form the necessary committees, and whoever will be found culpable will face the law,” said Kanja.

EACC has urged the IG to develop an implementation matrix within 30 days to guide enforcement of the recommendations, with the Commission expected to monitor progress periodically.

“Systems are frameworks for accountability. By exposing weak links and redundant processes, an honest examination is the only way to prove we are worthy of public trust,” Mohamud said.