Kenya has secured a bid to host the Centre for Anti-Corruption Studies and Research in Africa, a regional anti-graft body, after a competitive selection process.
The African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (AAACA) General Assembly arrived at the decision following a meeting on December 10, 2023.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Thursday, January 11.
The AAACA will be responsible for the establishment of the Centre which will serve as research space for projects and programmes designed to eradicate corrupt practices and other related issues in Africa.
The statement reads in part:
“The decision was arrived at by a resolution of the General Assembly of AAACA during its Extraordinary Meeting held on Tuesday, 10th January 2024.
“The Centre will facilitate studies and research that will strengthen good governance and anti-corruption efforts in the Continent.”
The statement also shared word from the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak, who said the move was a step in the right direction to strengthen efforts towards ending corruption in Africa.
“Mr. Mbarak appreciated the trust bestowed upon Kenya by its regional peers to take up the responsibility of hosting the Centre.
“Notably, the establishment of the Centre, marks A good opportunity for Kenya, especially in the areas of strengthening collaborations, strategies and opportunities in the fight against corruption,” the statement added.
The AAACA is an anti-graft body established in accordance with the African Union Convention. Its objectives include fostering the effective implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, as well as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
Kenya ranked 123 out of 180 countries worldwide in corruption, according to the February 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report by Transparency International.
Corruption in Africa has increased over the years, and governments’ anti-graft efforts have proven mostly ineffective.