Kenya has been appointed as the host country for the Centre for Anti-Corruption Studies and Research in Africa (CEREAC), established by the African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (AAACA). This decision supports AAACA’s mandate under the African Union Convention, focusing on strengthening the implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption—both of which Kenya has ratified.

The decision to establish the center in Kenya was formalized during a special session of the AAACA General Assembly. CEREAC aims to foster research and studies that will support anti-corruption initiatives and promote governance reforms across the continent.

Twalib Mbarak, CEO of Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), expressed appreciation for the selection, emphasizing that the center will play a crucial role in shaping strategies for corruption prevention, detection, investigation, and enforcement throughout Africa. He also extended gratitude to regional partners for their support in awarding Kenya this significant role.

Kenya’s bid, submitted on October 6, 2023, faced competition from Egypt. Both countries met key requirements, including ratification of international anti-corruption conventions, established anti-corruption frameworks, experience in research, and operational anti-corruption academies. Ultimately, Kenya emerged as the preferred host, earning 210 points to Egypt’s 191.