Wote: The Makueni county government has made strategic strides towards entrenching its name as the least corrupt county in Kenya. Area governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has disclosed that the county administration has automated several services, including the revenue section, suppliers, and hospitals, saying this has led to a reduction of corruption in government offices, as there was minimum interaction.
According to Kenya News Agency, the EACC Commission's National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) for 2024 reports that Makueni County recorded the lowest likelihood of officials soliciting bribes at 0.61 times, distinguishing it as the most transparent and accountable among the 47 counties in the country. The governor emphasized that the automation of services in government offices prevents corruption by minimizing opportunities for bribery, such as obtaining licenses or paying for parking.
The discussions, which included a delegation from the Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) led by Commissioner Alfred Mshimba and officials from the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GCIC), centered on further strengthening corruption prevention. It was agreed that a County Corruption Prevention Committee be established as envisioned under the 2023 EACC Guidelines. This committee aims to develop frameworks to mainstream corruption prevention in public service, enhance transparency, reduce graft prevalence, and build a culture of integrity.
Governor Kilonzo lauded the EACC-GCIC partnership, which prioritizes corruption prevention through systematic approaches rather than relying solely on prosecution. Mshimba praised Makueni for its status as the least corrupt county, noting that annual surveys consistently show Makueni at the forefront of transparency and accountability.
The collaboration between these entities focuses on not only preventing corruption but also enhancing performance management to ensure sustained progress in combating graft.