CORRUPTION PLAYFIELD: EACC Calls For Disbandment Of Kenya's Traffic Police Unit

CORRUPTION PLAYFIELD: EACC Calls For Disbandment Of Kenya’s Traffic Police Unit

To combat widespread extortion and bribery inside the National Police Service, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has advised disbanding the current traffic department and rotating officers in charge of traffic duties on a regular basis.

An audit undertaken between February and June 2025 uncovered widespread corruption throughout the service, with the traffic department identified as the most corrupt.

The data show that the proceeds from these illicit collections are routed up the chain of command.

Bribery has become institutionalized in the traffic section, with some police manufacturing charges against non-paying operators.

The analysis demonstrates that traffic officers routinely subject Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) to daily and route-level extortion.

They collect “protection fees” from matatu SACCOs and boda boda riders, frequently on orders from their superiors.

“They expose all PSVs to routine daily extortion. There were also allegations of targets given to these officers by their seniors,” said EACC Director of Preventive Services Vincent Okongo.

Okong’o presented the report on Thursday at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong.

“For boda boda and matatu SACCOs, they also collect protection fees — and if you don’t give, they fabricate charges against you.”

Bribes In Uniform:

A report by EACC has revealed how junior traffic police officers routinely collect bribes that are channeled up the ranks to their seniors.

Officers are assigned daily collection targets in the organised bribery.#NTVTonight @Ben_Kitili @labaanshabaan pic.twitter.com/V3K4f99c7G
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) November 13, 2025

During the presentation, EACC Secretary and CEO Abdi Mohamud highlighted the report as a “bold statement” of the NPS’s resolve to “right a past characterised by diminished public trust and perceptions of corruption.”

“This was not a fault-finding exercise, but one geared towards strengthening governance systems and making them more resilient to corruption vulnerabilities,” said Mohamud.

He praised Inspector General Douglas Kanja and his deputies for their cooperation throughout the process.

The systems audit reviewed policies, processes, and practices in the NPS’s core divisions, including the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs Unit, and police training institutions.

It noted inconsistencies in recruiting, transfers, and deployments, as well as disciplinary procedures that were manipulated and failed to comply with the National Public Service Act.

The audit also noted inconsistencies in bail management, protection fees taken from company operators, poor hygiene in jail facilities, and politically motivated or punitive transfers.

“There were many issues to do with recruitment — interference from senior police, and officers bribing to be transferred. Transfers were also used to punish some officers,” Okongo stated.

The audit also identified ineffective control mechanisms and delays in implementing reforms such as establishing a Service Examination Board, Complaints Management Policy, and Fleet Management Board.

Other deficiencies include insufficient staffing in the Internal Affairs Unit, inadequate management of police equipment, and a lack of proper ownership documents for police land.

To remedy systemic flaws, EACC advocated complete implementation of the NPS Act and its accompanying regulations.

In addition, a corruption prevention framework, automation of recruitment and cash bail systems, regular audits and sting operations, and the use of technology such as body-worn cameras to improve accountability.

“Let this report not gather dust on shelves. Let it mark a renewed commitment by leadership, officers, and citizens to rebuild this vital institution,” said EACC Chairperson David Oginde.

On his part, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the service will act on the findings.

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“We have received the report that we had requested EACC to investigate in February. We are going to form the necessary committees, and whoever will be found culpable will face the law,” said Kanja.

EACC has urged the IG to develop an implementation matrix within 30 days to guide enforcement of the recommendations, with the Commission expected to monitor progress periodically.

“Systems are frameworks for accountability. By exposing weak links and redundant processes, an honest examination is the only way to prove we are worthy of public trust,” Mohamud said.

CORRUPTION PLAYFIELD: EACC Calls For Disbandment Of Kenya’s Traffic Police Unit