The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called for the disbandment of the current traffic unit and periodic rotation of officers to curb entrenched extortion and bribery within the National Police Service (NPS).
An EACC audit conducted between February and June 2025 found widespread corruption across the service, identifying the traffic department as the most compromised. The report reveals that illegal collections are funneled up the chain of command, effectively institutionalising bribery. Officers reportedly extort Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and boda boda operators through daily “protection fees,” often under instructions from senior officers. Those who refuse to pay are allegedly targeted with fabricated charges.
“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 during the report’s release at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong.
EACC Secretary and CEO Abdi Mohamud described the audit as a “bold statement” of NPS’s intent to rebuild public trust, noting that the exercise aimed to strengthen systems rather than apportion blame. The audit reviewed policies and practices across key NPS departments, including the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, DCI, Internal Affairs Unit, and training colleges.
Findings include irregularities in recruitment, transfers, and deployments, manipulation of disciplinary processes, inconsistent bail management, politically influenced or punitive transfers, and protection fees collected from business operators. The report also cited weak oversight, delays in key reforms, understaffing at the Internal Affairs Unit, poor equipment management, and inadequate documentation for police land.
EACC recommended full implementation of the NPS Act, development of a corruption prevention framework, automation of recruitment and cash bail systems, regular audits and sting operations, and adoption of technologies such as body-worn cameras to improve accountability.
“Let this report not gather dust on shelves,” said EACC Chairperson David Oginde. “Let it mark a renewed commitment to rebuild this vital institution.”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja welcomed the findings, saying the service will form committees to act on the recommendations and ensure those found culpable face the law. EACC has urged the IG to produce an implementation matrix within 30 days, with the Commission set to monitor progress.
