The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has been named as one of the most corrupt institutions in Kenya, according to the latest report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The National Ethics and Corruption Survey of 2023, released yesterday, shows widespread corruption in key public offices is hindering service delivery to citizens.
TSC 100% Corrupt
According to the EACC report, TSC was among institutions that had 100% corruption prevalence. Others were:
- County Health Departments
- National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)
- County Commissioners’ Offices
- Public Service Commission
- County Public Service Boards
- National Construction Authority (NCA)
- Kenya Forestry Service (KFS)
- Ministry of Defense
- Ministry of Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development
The report shows individuals seeking services from these institutions were compelled to bribe to get processed.
TSC Corruption affects:
Promotions and Transfers – Bribes influence career progression and teacher posting.
Employment – Job seekers pay to be considered for recruitment.
Remuneration and Benefits – Unfair allocation of salaries and allowances.
Medical Insurance – Corruption in procurement and service delivery.
Training and Disciplinary Actions – Bias in training opportunities and disciplinary cases.
The report comes just a month before TSC CEO Nancy Macharia goes on terminal leave in March ahead of her retirement in July 2025.
Other Corrupt Institutions and National Corruption Trends
Next to TSC in corruption prevalence are other key public offices:
- Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Office – 98.2%
- Public Hospitals/Dispensaries – 94.5%
- Regular Police (Law Enforcement) – 87.2%
- Registrar of Persons (ID Services) – 77.5%
Other institutions affected by corruption include Judiciary, Police Department, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Health, DCI and KEBS.
Forms of Corruption and Affected Services
EACC report shows where bribery is prevalent:* TSC Number – Teachers pay bribes to get registered.
- Relief Food Distribution – Aid meant for the needy is diverted due to corruption.
- Vehicle Registration and Transfers – Citizens experience delays unless bribes are paid.
- Construction Certification – Approval processes are corrupt.
- Driving License Processing – Applicants bribe officials for fast track.
- Access to CDF Funds and Agricultural Extension Services – Farmers and community projects suffer due to corruption.
Most Corrupt Counties
The report shows Nyamira, Baringo, Siaya, Bungoma, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Nandi, Kakamega and Kisumu as the most corrupt, all with 100% corruption prevalence.
Cost of Bribery in Kenya
The survey shows the national average bribe amount rose to Ksh11,625 in 2023 from Ksh6,865 in 2022. This is the cost of corruption on ordinary citizens seeking services.