The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has called for stronger accountability and institutional safeguards to combat corruption at the Port of Mombasa, warning that closing operational loopholes alone will not be enough without holding public officers responsible for misconduct.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholder meeting, EACC Commissioner John Ogallo emphasised the need for robust oversight mechanisms, integrity and decisive action against officers implicated in corrupt practices.
Ogallo said strengthening accountability was critical to safeguarding port operations and ensuring that public officers discharged their duties transparently and responsibly.
Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei also called for stronger controls at the port as cargo volumes continue to increase.
Koskei noted that efficient and transparent port operations were essential to protecting public revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and helping reduce the cost of living for Kenyans.
He underscored the importance of ensuring that the growing volume of cargo passing through the port does not create opportunities for corruption or undermine the country’s economic interests.
Meanwhile, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Eastern Africa Anti-Corruption Hub Team Lead Francesco Chechi called for enhanced coordination and international cooperation to address corruption and financial crime at strategic trade gateways.
Chechi warned that weaknesses in oversight and poor coordination among institutions could create opportunities for corrupt practices and allow criminal networks to exploit trade and financial systems.
He urged relevant institutions to strengthen information sharing, improve the detection of illicit activities and enhance cooperation to protect the integrity of port operations.
Chechi further stressed the need to complement enforcement measures with preventive interventions, including capacity building and stronger institutional safeguards, to identify corruption risks early and curb illicit financial flows.
The Port of Mombasa is a critical gateway for Kenya and the wider East African region, handling cargo that supports regional trade and economic growth.
