Kenya has won the bid to host the Centre for Anti-Corruption Studies and Research in Africa (CEREAC), a key regional anti-corruption agency.

The decision was arrived at on Tuesday, following a General Assembly meeting by the African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (AAACA).

The Centre will facilitate studies and research that will strengthen good governance and anti-corruption efforts in the continent.

Kenya and Egypt, who are members of AAACA, submitted their bids in October 2023, expressing interest to host the body.

The two countries had met required criteria including; ratification of international and regional legal instruments against corruption, an operational national anti-corruption strategy, anchored under constitutional provisions, offices spread across the country, experience in anti-corruption research and functional anti-corruption academy.

The AAACA in effect deliberated the matter on Tuesday, where Kenya emerged the winner with 210 points against Egypt which garnered 191 points.

Resolutions from that General Assembly commended Kenya’s commitment in fighting corruption through establishment of international and regional legal instruments against corruption, including the establishment of key anti-corruption structures. 

They further acknowledged milestones achieved by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in recovery of corruptly acquired assets, among other achievements.

Welcoming the decision, EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak said “the Centre will play an important role in facilitating the development and harmonization of strategies for the prevention, detection, investigation and control of corruption and related offenses in Africa.”

Mbarak further expressed gratitude to other African states for supporting Kenya in its bid to host the Centre for Anti-Corruption Studies and Research in Africa.

The EACC boss stated that the agency would provide a good opportunity for Kenya to strengthen collaborations and strategies in the fight against corruption.

EACC represents Kenya as a member of the AAACA.

AAACA is established in accordance with the African Union Convention to promote the effective implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.