It is easy to speak out against corruption – to adopt a moral stance when pointing fingers at others. But when the spotlight turns on ourselves, that righteousness often fades. Recently, Kenya’s Executive and Parliament have been entangled in an ugly public spat, each accusing the other of fueling graft. While the broader fight against corruption resonates with most Kenyans, this blame game reveals a more unsettling truth; corruption is deeply woven into the fabric of our society.
Corruption in Kenya is not just prevalent – it is systemic. Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index ranked the country 121 out of 180. Even more troubling, anecdotal evidence suggests that up to a third of the national budget is lost to corruption annually – equivalent to 7.8 per cent of the GDP.
Kenya’s struggle with corruption cuts across nearly every sector, with public procurement, law enforcement and government institutions often in the spotlight. Scandals such as the Covid-19 fund misappropriation underscore the depth of the problem. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is currently investigating these and other allegations.
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The EACC has also identified the National Police Service (NPS) as one of the most corrupt bodies in the country. In its 2023-2024 report, the commission noted that bribery accounted for 42 per cent of all corruption-related complaints.
Yet while the country’s institutions are often blamed, the public cannot be absolved. Corruption has become so normalised that many Kenyans can no longer distinguish between right and wrong. Bribes are routinely offered to expedite services or bypass bureaucracy. Even those who view themselves as ethical often justify it as a “necessary evil.” These attitudes have taken root deeply within the national psyche.
The President’s renewed anti-corruption campaign deserves the support of every responsible citizen. However, many have met it with scepticism – understandably so. After many years of empty promises and failed reforms, Kenyans have grown cynical, accepting corruption as a permanent feature of their daily lives.
This disillusionment is not without reason. Politics in Kenya is a costly endeavour. To win office, candidates must invest significant sums. Reports suggest that aspiring MCAs need at least Sh10 million to run a competitive campaign. MPs require upwards of Sh50 million, while gubernatorial candidates may spend over Sh200 million. These enormous campaign costs are often recouped through corrupt practices once in office – creating a vicious cycle of graft and impunity.
Ultimately, the fight against corruption begins with us, the citizens. We cannot expect leaders who bought their way into power to suddenly become champions of integrity. Nor do we have the moral high ground to hold them accountable when we elect them based not on merit, but on how much they spend during the campaign.
Some progress is being made. Reforms in public procurement and law enforcement are underway. But lasting change depends on public will. We have seen what is possible – such as in 2003 when citizens pushed back against corruption, by reporting, resisting it and even making citizen arrests where law enforcement was slow and lethargic. That moment proved that we are not beyond redemption.
We can rise to that challenge again. We can prove that the culture of venality can be broken so that is not bequeathed to our progeny. The question is; will we?
Mr Khafafa public policy analyst
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By Leonard Khafafa