Treasury Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo has acknowledged the existence of widespread corruption within government institutions but insists that efforts are underway to address the challenge.
Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with Nation FM, Kiptoo refrained from confirming claims that the government loses up to Ksh2 billion daily to corruption, as earlier stated by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
“I can’t speak to that because I have no evidence. I cannot put a figure at this point,” Kiptoo said. “Yes, we acknowledge corruption exists, and we are putting in measures to deal with it.”
Kiptoo outlined several strategies by the Kenya Kwanza administration to curb graft, including increased funding to critical oversight institutions. These include the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the Judiciary.
“We have been making efforts in the last two budgets to strengthen governance institutions. We’ve given more budget to EACC, ODPP, and the Judiciary. We’ve also had engagements with the Chief Justice and her team to collaborate, because the Judiciary has a key role to play,” he said.
The PS noted that the government is also engaging with international development partners such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for technical support, including a governance diagnostic mission.
Kiptoo’s remarks came in the wake of renewed focus on financial accountability in government, following statements by CS Mbadi in March 2025. Mbadi had flagged public procurement as a major source of financial leakages, warning that the country risks losing over Ksh700 billion every year to graft if current trends persist.
Mbadi argued that cutting the losses by even half would allow Kenya to comfortably manage its debt obligations and reduce the fiscal pressure on public finances.
The Treasury says it is committed to enhancing transparency and restoring public confidence in state institutions by implementing reforms, improving oversight, and holding accountable those involved in corruption.
