Kenya Power reconnection bribery / EACC systems-review case
Risk Mechanism
Weak controls over customer-facing utility processes enabled an alleged bribe demand for electricity reconnection, exposing broader risks of petty corruption, unequal service access, and revenue leakage.
Case Summary
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s 2024/2025 annual report recorded an inquiry into allegations that a Kenya Power employee demanded a bribe to facilitate electricity reconnection. The Commission also launched a systems review of Kenya Power’s service delivery processes and later identified delays in timely connections and weak inspection controls.
Risk Lesson
This case illustrates how weak controls over utility connection and reconnection services can create opportunities for petty corruption, unequal service access, and revenue leakage. It highlights warning signs such as unexplained service delays, requests for unofficial payments, weak inspection and approval controls, and discrepancies between published fees and amounts requested or paid.
Reference
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. (2025). Report of activities and financial statements for the financial year 2024/2025. Available from: https://eacc.go.ke/en/default/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EACC-REPORT-OF-ACTIVITIES-AND-FINANCIAL-STATEMENTS-FOR-THE-FINANCIAL-YEAR-2024-2025-FINAL-VERSION-1-compressed.pdf