In a major boost to Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts, the U.S government has committed billions of shillings in new funding and support, the White House announced following President William Ruto’s recent state visit.

The Biden administration has earmarked KSh63 million ($500,000) for a new Fiscal Integrity Programme, which aims to make county budget processes more transparent and inclusive, and increase citizen engagement.

In a press release by the White House, the U.S pledged an additional KSh33million to support Kenya Kwanza Government’s anti-corruption efforts. The US further unveiled a grant of KSh39 million to support Kenya’s proposed Whistleblower Protection law.

“To support the Government of Kenya to combat corruption, the Administration is providing $250,000 through the Global Accountability Program, and $300,000 to support Kenya’s proposed Whistleblower Protection law to strengthen Kenya’s anti-corruption legal architecture.” part of the statement read.

USAID has also assigned KSh351 million ($2.7 million) to improve the enforcement of policies and laws dealing with fraud, waste, and abuse in public service delivery.

Recognizing Kenya’s regional role in combating transnational organized crime, the U.S committed KSh637 million ($4.9 million) in new funding for Kenya and other East African countries to improve cooperation and hold criminals accountable.

This funding is intended to boost capacity building and reforms within the Kenyan police and justice sectors.

The US government further allocated KSh910 million ($7 million) to support police reform efforts and further modernize and professionalize Kenya’s National Police Service.

“$7 million partnership to advance and strengthen the modernization and professionalization of Kenya’s National Police Service, with a focus on staff and training development,” read the statement.

This support demonstrates the US government’s commitment to partnering with Kenya in its fight against corruption and strengthening the rule of law.