The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested a Kajiado County Enforcement Officer accused of soliciting a bribe to permit ongoing repair works on a sewage line, in a case that highlights persistent concerns over corruption at the county level and the cost it imposes on service delivery. The officer, identified as Noah Kitisia Katei, was apprehended following a sting operation by the Commission after a complainant reported that he had allegedly demanded Kes10,000 to authorise the continuation of repairs.
According to the Commission, the complainant had been carrying out repairs at his workplace when the suspect reportedly intervened and halted the process. The officer allegedly insisted that the repair work could only move forward if the bribe was paid. The EACC moved in shortly after receiving the report, conducting a controlled operation that resulted in the officer’s arrest. He was transported to the Integrity Centre in Nairobi where he was processed, recorded a statement, and was later released on a police bond of Kes20,000 pending further investigations.
The arrest adds to a series of enforcement actions by the Commission as it intensifies its focus on corruption within public service delivery at both national and county levels. With counties controlling significant budgets and playing a central role in frontline service provision, corruption within county offices has increasingly been identified as a critical barrier to effective governance and efficient public administration.
In a statement, the Commission noted that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle bribery networks that hinder public services. Officials emphasised that such incidents not only affect the pace and quality of service delivery but also undermine public trust in devolved institutions that are expected to bring services closer to citizens. A senior EACC officer familiar with county operations explained that bribery associated with routine tasks such as licensing, enforcement, inspection, and approvals has become one of the most commonly reported forms of petty corruption in several counties, indicating systemic challenges that need stronger interventions.
“Bribery in the course of delivering essential services continues to be reported across a number of sectors. Our mandate is to ensure that public officers adhere to the law and maintain ethical conduct in carrying out their duties. Any action that suggests misuse of office for personal gain will be investigated thoroughly,” an EACC official said, speaking in general terms about the Commission’s anti-bribery efforts.
The Commission has in recent years increased the use of sting operations to catch public officers in the act. These operations typically rely on complainants willing to provide information and cooperate in controlled engagements, enabling investigators to gather evidence that can stand in court. While such operations have led to several arrests, the Commission has repeatedly stated that long-term solutions require broader reforms within county administrations, including enhanced internal controls, clearer reporting systems, and better training for enforcement officers.
Kajiado County, like many devolved units, has been undertaking infrastructure upgrades in towns, market centres, and residential zones. Routine enforcement activities include approval of public works, inspection of business premises, regulation of construction standards, and oversight of sanitation systems. According to governance experts, these functions often expose local officers to discretionary power that can be abused if not monitored properly.
Cases involving demands for small payments are especially detrimental because they directly affect everyday operations for residents and businesses. For instance, blockages in sewage lines pose health risks and can disrupt business activities. When essential repairs are delayed due to demands for payment, the economic and social effects can be significant. Public policy specialists note that addressing such corruption is vital for improving the overall investment climate in counties, as businesses rely on predictable and transparent service delivery.
The Commission has previously observed that a substantial portion of corruption complaints originate from interactions between citizens and county officials, particularly in enforcement, licensing, and revenue collection units. This has prompted calls for county governments to adopt stronger ethics compliance mechanisms and internal audits. Some counties have already introduced digital systems aimed at reducing face-to-face interactions, which are often the entry point for bribery attempts. However, adoption remains uneven and capacity constraints persist in several regions.
Analysts say the latest arrest will again bring into focus the need for counties to professionalise enforcement departments, strengthen disciplinary procedures, and collaborate more closely with oversight institutions. Public officers are required to undergo training on integrity, ethics, and the legal requirements governing public service. Yet, experts argue that these trainings are not always implemented consistently, especially in units where staff turnover is high or where political interference plays a role in appointments.
The Commission reiterated that the investigation into the Kajiado incident is ongoing. Once investigations are concluded, a file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine whether to pursue charges. The Commission encouraged members of the public who encounter similar incidents to report them through its established channels, which include walk-in reports, phone hotlines, and online portals.
While the immediate case involves Kes10,000, anti-corruption specialists argue that the value of the bribe is secondary to the principle involved. Any misuse of public Office, regardless of the amount, violates the Public Officer Ethics Act and undermines the constitutional principles governing public service. Consistent enforcement of accountability standards is therefore essential to sending a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated at any level.
The Commission has in the past issued advisories encouraging county governments to strengthen their internal governance frameworks and ensure that enforcement officers operate within clear and transparent guidelines. This includes requiring officers to formally identify themselves during inspections, documenting all official interactions with citizens or businesses, and removing discretionary approvals that are prone to abuse.
As the investigation proceeds, the arrest is expected to renew broader discussions about integrity within devolved units and the need for counties to implement stronger systems to prevent similar incidents. The case also reflects rising public expectations around accountability and transparent governance, especially as taxpayers demand better value for the resources allocated to county administrations.
