The Ethics And Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has handed over 35 title deeds valued at Ksh.5 billion and cash assets worth Ksh.511 million to the National Treasury as part of its efforts to end corruption.

Speaking at State House on Wednesday, EACC Chief Executive Officer Twalib Mbarak explained that asset tracing is one of the commission's key pillars in eliminating corruption in the country.

Asset tracing refers to a process whereby investigators follow the money trail to determine the source and revenue generated by the criminal activity. 

He listed seven examples of properties that were recovered through corruption. The most expensive asset involved a 1.88-acre land in Kisumu that belongs to the Judiciary worth Ksh.1.4 billion.

The second asset involved three properties in Eldoret measuring 3.25 acres, valued at approximately Ksh.1.2 billion. According to Mbarak, rogue individuals had seized the property belonging to the National Police Service. 

He mentioned another property in Kilimani, Nairobi measuring approximately 0.5 acres and valued at Ksh.700 million. 

The other listed properties included one acre of land in Eldoret belonging to Uasin Gishu County Referral Hospital (Ksh.700 million), 13 amulgamated plots belonging to the State Department of Housing and Urban Development (Ksh.300 million).

Also recovered by the commission were 15 parcels of land belonging to Kisii County Government (Ksh.135 million) and one property belonging to Nakuru County Government (Ksh.100 million).

"Asset tracing and recovery of corruptly acquired assets extinguishes directly the benefits of paying through corrupt activities," Mbarak explained. 

"We are gathered to witness the handing over of 35 titles, measuring approximately 18.71 acres with a total value of about Ksh.5 billion. There are other titles in the process and maybe soon we will be back here, by your blessing, to have another occasion like this," he added. 

Mbarak expressed confidence that the commission has put in place effective measures to curb corruption but noted that more could be done through adequate funding. 

"We have an established approved workforce of 1,108 staff. In the last 6 years, we have worked with half of that level, 780 staff," the EACC CEO said. 

"Very good staff leave the EACC because since 2004, SRC has refused to review EACC's salary, saying that compared to the public service, we are overpaid. This has a negative effect," he pointed out. 

In his address, President William Ruto highlighted the importance of curbing corruption by eliminating loopholes within ministries and departments. 

"Corruption is a serious threat to our nation. It undermines service delivery, weakens public policy, compromises the public interest, and erodes our institutions, depriving the government of the capacity to secure the country and deliver development," the president said. 

He also commended EACC's efforts in pursuing over Ksh.59 billion that is locked up in court wrangles against individuals whose assets exceed their legitimate sources of income. 

"We must do everything within our power to end corruption in every organisation, at every level of government, and across all regions of our Republic," he explained.