Understanding Corruption in Devolved Governance

Kenya’s devolved system of government was established to decentralize power, improve service delivery, promote public participation, and support equitable development across the 47 counties. However, the devolution system can also face corruption risks arising from weak oversight, political interference, procurement vulnerabilities, and other systemic challenges. This information pack examines common forms of corruption in devolved structures, including embezzlement and misappropriation of funds, procurement fraud, conflicts of interest, complex procurement processes, and favoritism. It also highlights the consequences of corruption, such as weakened service delivery, loss of public trust, inefficient use of resources, and legal and reputational risks.

The pack outlines Kenya’s legal and institutional framework for preventing and addressing corruption, including the Constitution of Kenya, Leadership and Integrity Act, Public Finance Management Act, County Governments Act, Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, Public Officers Ethics Act, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, and Access to Information Act. It also explains the roles of oversight institutions such as the Auditor-General, Commission on Administrative Justice, Controller of Budget, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, County Assemblies, and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Together with citizen participation, access to information, public oversight, and effective enforcement, these mechanisms provide important safeguards for promoting integrity, transparency, responsible management of public resources, and accountability in devolved governance.