Civil society urges Parliament to increase EACC funding, strengthen anti-graft laws

Civil society groups in Machakos have sustained the push for increased budgetary allocations to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to strengthen its efforts to fight graft in the country.

Speaking at a public participation forum, the groups proposed that EACC be allowed to retain a portion of recovered assets and funds to finance its operations.

They also called on Parliament to tighten existing legislation to bar corruption suspects from seeking elective positions. 

In the ongoing regional public participation forum on EACC’s proposed budget for the next two financial years in Machakos County, the societies flagged inadequate resources as a major impediment in the fight against graft.

While allocations to EACC have been increasing, reaching Ksh.5.1 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year, participants pointed to the changing landscape of the fight against corruption, including legal fees incurred by the commission.

“When they do some of their work, especially regarding the politically correct people, you look at the kind of money that goes into the other advocates from the private sector and from the political class. So, what we are saying is we are supporting that their budget be increased," said Civil Society Member Manthi wa Musyoka.

EACC Legal Services Director David Kiplagat added, "Pesa nyingi zinaenda kwa kulipa watu wenye wanahusika na hiyo kazi ambao wameajiriwa na commission. So ndiyo naona budget imekwenda juu. Ile ya development ni kidogo, lakini tungependa tuombe pia Parliament isidi kutuongezea mambo ya development ili kwa miaka ijayo tuwe na ofisi zetu zenyewe. Kwa wakati huu tunakodisha.”

Participants drawn from civil society organisations also called for closer coordination among government agencies to address gaps and facilitate a more comprehensive approach to fighting corruption.

“Kikao kama hiki tulikuwa tuna expect kuona kama ODPP. ODPP ambao tumeweza kuona wakiwa obstacle ya kupigana na ufisadi, maanake tumeweza kuona hata kesi zingine wanataka zitolewe. Wanataka zikuwe withdrawn from the courts. Hayo ni mambo ambayo tunaweza sema ni mambo yanarudisha juhudi za hii tume kuendelea na mbele," another resident Fred Lau stated.

The participants also proposed that a portion of assets and funds recovered through anti-corruption efforts be ring-fenced to support the commission’s operations.