Kenya remains among countries grappling with high corruption levels, with little evidence of improvement, according to the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International. The report, published on February 10, shows Kenya scored 30 out of 100, a drop from 32 in 2024, signaling worsening public sector corruption perceptions. The country was ranked 130th out of 181 nations, placing it among states where corruption continues to pose a significant governance challenge with minimal progress recorded.
Kenya Trails Regional Peers
Within East Africa, Kenya lagged behind some of its neighbours. Rwanda emerged as the region’s best performer with a score of 58, reflecting continued gains in anti-corruption efforts. Tanzania scored 40, maintaining a stronger position than Kenya despite slipping slightly from its previous performance. Kenya also fell below the Sub-Saharan Africa regional average of 32, underscoring its placement among weaker performers in a region already battling systemic corruption concerns.
Regional Corruption Landscape
The index indicates that corruption remains deeply entrenched across parts of East and Central Africa. Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo were cited among countries experiencing high corruption levels, while Burundi recorded very high corruption perceptions. Somalia and South Sudan were ranked among nations in a critical state, reflecting severe governance and accountability challenges.
Rising Public Pressure
Transparency International also pointed to growing civic action globally, noting that anti-government protests in various regions reflect public frustration with corruption, weak accountability, and governance failures. Commenting on the findings, Transparency International Chair François Valérian urged leaders to recommit to integrity and responsible governance.
At a time when we’re seeing a dangerous disregard for international norms from some states, we’re calling on governments and leaders to act with integrity and live up to their responsibilities to provide a better future for people around the world
François ValérianCall for Reforms
The organisation is advocating for stronger political will in the fight against corruption, protection of civic space, and tighter controls to close secrecy and financial transparency loopholes that enable graft to thrive.
