A report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission shows that the average bribe in Kenya has increased, even as public confidence in the government’s fight against corruption continues to fall. The Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025 highlights growing concern among citizens about graft and how it affects different groups, especially women.
According to the findings, only 14.6 percent of Kenyans believe the government is committed to fighting corruption, while 73 percent feel that it is not doing enough. The report also reveals that most people who encounter bribery choose to remain silent.
“98.6% of Kenyans who paid bribes in 2025 did not report their experience to any official institution. And out of the 1.4% who reported, 57.2% were men compared to 42.1% women. Most respondents stated that nothing happened even after reporting bribery, while others were advised not to proceed with their report,” read the report.
The survey further points to the gendered nature of corruption. Women are more likely to be asked for bribes or even sexual favours but are less likely to report such cases. “Overall, 8.4% of Kenyans reported having received indirect requests for sexual favours. 3.4% of women received direct requests for sexual favours, which is four times higher than the rate for men at 0.8%,” read the report.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud noted the rising cost of corruption, saying, “The national average bribe increased considerably from Ksh.4,878 in 2024 to Ksh.6,724 in 2025.” EACC Chairperson David Oginde added, “While at the lower level of status and micro corruption, women are serious victims of corruption; on the other hand, at the higher level of society, women are increasingly becoming facilitators of corruption.”
Police officers were identified as the leading recipients of bribes, with 35.5 percent of respondents admitting to paying them. Other sectors affected include civil registration services, the National Transport and Safety Authority, land registries, and registration of persons offices. Bribes are often paid to speed up services, gain access, or avoid penalties.
The report also shows how much Kenyans are paying for services. Some paid up to Ksh.85,000 for government jobs, about Ksh.12,000 for passports, and around Ksh.1,900 for documents like driver’s licences and identity cards. The highest average bribe was reported among court magistrates at Ksh.164,367.
Counties such as Kakamega, West Pokot, Isiolo, and Vihiga recorded the highest levels of bribery, while Nyamira, Kilifi, and Baringo had the lowest.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said, “Government is committed to fighting corruption in the public service.”
The survey recommends stronger gender-focused anti-corruption measures, safer reporting systems, and reforms in how government services are delivered and paid for.