Many Kenyans have long complained about corruption in the traffic department, and the latest audit by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission now puts those concerns into clear focus.
The new report paints a picture of a unit that has for years operated in a manner that encourages extortion, bribery, and the misuse of authority. The commission now wants the entire traffic unit disbanded and officers assigned to traffic duties rotated regularly to break the deep networks that have enabled these practices to thrive.
According to the audit, which covered the period between February and June 2025, the National Police Service has been struggling with corruption that appears deeply rooted across various departments. However, the traffic section stands out as the most compromised.
The report explains that officers handling traffic matters have created a system where bribery is not just common but expected, with money collected from the roads moving up the chain of command.
Some officers even fabricate charges for those who refuse to pay, making road users feel trapped and helpless.
Public Service Vehicles remain the biggest victims, facing daily demands for road-level extortion. Matatu SACCOs and boda boda riders are forced to part with money in the name of protection fees.
According to EACC Director of Preventive Services Vincent Okongo, many of these officers operate under pressure from seniors who set daily targets for collections.
He noted that PSVs are constantly exposed to harassment, and operators who refuse to comply are threatened or falsely accused of breaking traffic rules.
EACC Secretary and CEO Abdi Mohamud said the findings should be seen as an opportunity for the National Police Service to rebuild public trust. He described the report as an honest move aimed at strengthening systems rather than simply punishing individuals.
He thanked Inspector General Douglas Kanja and his deputies for allowing the audit to happen, saying it shows readiness to confront long-standing challenges.
The audit did not stop at the traffic unit. It also reviewed the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, DCI, Internal Affairs Unit, and police training institutions. The findings revealed irregular recruitment processes, interference by senior officers, bribery during transfers, and the use of transfers to punish officers.
Other problems included poor sanitation in detention cells, questionable bail management practices, and the charging of illegal protection fees from businesses.
Oversight in the police service remains weak, with delayed reforms such as the creation of a Service Examination Board and a Complaints Management Policy. The Internal Affairs Unit is understaffed, equipment is poorly managed, and the service lacks proper documentation for police land.
To fix these gaps, the EACC wants full implementation of the NPS Act, automation of recruitment and cash bail systems, development of a corruption prevention plan, and the use of technology like body cameras to increase accountability.
EACC Chairperson David Oginde urged police leaders not to ignore the report, asking them to show commitment to genuine reform.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja welcomed the findings and said the service will form committees to act on them. He stated that any officer found guilty of wrongdoing will face the law. The EACC has also given the IG 30 days to prepare an implementation matrix to guide the process, with regular monitoring expected to follow.
EACC leaders emphasized that strong systems are the only way to rebuild trust, and honest assessment is the first step toward restoring integrity within the National Police Service.
