By Peter Ochieng
One is more likely to be asked for a bribe in Busia and Baringo counties, than any other part of the country.
On the other hand, Nyamira tops the list of counties where one is most likely to offer a bribe.
This, is according to a survey conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), dubbed the National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS), 2023.
Results of the survey show that Busia, Baringo, Nairobi, Nakuru and Machakos are the five most bribery-prone counties, indicating that those seeking services in the aforementioned counties are likely to be asked for bribes.
“Each time a service is sought in Busia County one is likely to be asked for a bribe 2.02 times. Each time a service is sought in Baringo, Nairobi, Nakuru and Machakos counties one is likely to be asked for a bribe 1.34 times, 1.12 times, 1.11 times and 1.09 times, respectively,” the survey shows.
Nandi, Nyeri, Vihiga, Embu and Lamu are the least counties where one is likely to be asked to pay a bribe for services.
On prevalence of bribe payment, the survey shows that Nyamira, Baringo, Siaya, Bungoma and Turkana are the five counties where bribery is most prevalent.
This means that all (100%) respondents who sought services in these counties paid a bribe.
Counties where one is not likely to pay a bribe for services are: Taita Taveta (48%), Vihiga (47%), Mandera (46%), Embu (44%) and lastly Nyeri (40%).
Still, one is likely to miss out on services even after paying a bribe in Nyeri, Mandera, Embu, Marsabit and Kericho counties respectively.
The average amount of money paid as bribe ranged from Sh56,695 in West Pokot to Sh7.041 in Tharaka Nithi.
Overally, corruption was ranked the fourth most pressing problem facing the country after high cost of living, unemployment and poverty.