Corruption in Kenya: A Persistent Challenge to Development

Corruption in Kenya: A Persistent Challenge to Development At the beginning of 2025, Bashar al-Assad, President of Syria, was ranked the most corrupt president in the world. He was followed by William Ruto, President of Kenya, as the second most corrupt head of state in the world. Now that al-Assad is no longer president, William Ruto has moved up to first place. These rankings reflect the ongoing concerns about corruption and governance in these countries. Corruption in Kenya is pervasive and accepted; it is a pervasive problem that has plagued the country for decades, undermining its economic growth, social development, and governance structures. Despite numerous efforts to combat it, corruption remains deeply entrenched in the public and private sectors and affects virtually every aspect of Kenyan society. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has found that corruption costs Kenya an estimated 608 billion Kenyan shillings (4.7 billion US dollars) annually, equivalent to 7.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Nairobi has a responsibility to care for its most vulnerable citizens. The children of the Nyumbani Children's Home should not have to rely on Washington for HIV/AIDS treatment. The main reason for these orphans' plight is the indifference of Kenya's self-serving politicians to their welfare and the well-being of the country. Corruption in Kenya has a long history. Corruption has its roots in the colonial era. At that time, the colonial administration established a system of government that placed the interests of the colonial rulers above those of the local population. This system was characterized by unequal resource distribution, a lack of transparency, and limited accountability. After independence in 1963, Kenya inherited these flawed governance structures, which were further exacerbated by the authoritarian rule of its first president, Jomo Kenyatta, and his successor, Daniel arap Moi. During their reign, corruption became institutionalized, and political leaders used state resources to consolidate their power and reward loyalists. The causes of corruption are multifaceted. Weak institutions, a lack of political will, and a culture of impunity have paved the way for corrupt practices. The judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and other oversight bodies are often compromised, making it difficult to hold corrupt individuals accountable. Poverty and inequality also create an environment where corruption is viewed as a survival strategy or a way to access services that should be freely available. Political patronage and ethnic favoritism further entrench corruption, as politicians use public funds to secure votes and stay in power. Corruption manifests itself in various forms, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and procurement fraud. In the public sector, citizens are often forced to pay bribes to access basic services such as healthcare, education, and even police protection. Government contracts are frequently awarded to politically connected individuals or companies, often at inflated prices. This results in billions of shillings being lost that could have been used for development projects. The private sector is also not immune to corruption either. Companies often engage in unethical practices such as tax evasion, money laundering, and collusion with public entities to secure contracts. The lack of effective regulatory and enforcement mechanisms allows these practices to continue unchecked and further undermines public trust in government and the private sector. The consequences of corruption in Kenya are far-reaching and devastating. Economically, corruption hampers growth by diverting resources from productive investments and into the pockets of a few individuals. It discourages foreign and domestic investment, as businesses are reluctant to operate in an environment where they may pay bribes or face unfair competition. This, in turn, leads to high unemployment and poverty, particularly among young people. Socially, corruption exacerbates inequality and undermines the provision of basic services. Schools, hospitals, and infrastructure projects are often poorly funded or mismanaged, worsening citizens' quality of life. Corruption also undermines trust in public institutions, leading to disillusionment and apathy among the population. This lack of trust can fuel social unrest and political instability, as demonstrated by the post-election violence of 2007/2008. This was one of the most serious political and ethnic crises in the country's history. The presidential elections were held on December 27, 2007, and the results were announced on December 30. Incumbent President Mwai Kibaki of the Party of National Unity (PNU) was declared the winner, but this claim was fiercely contested by the opposition, particularly Raila Odinga and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The opposition accused the government of electoral fraud, and tensions erupted into violent riots. The violence quickly spread throughout the country and had both political and ethnic dimensions. Opposition supporters attacked ruling party supporters, and vice versa. Ethnic groups affiliated with the respective political camps also clashed. The violence claimed over 1,100 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Many people sought refuge in refugee camps, and the humanitarian situation deteriorated rapidly. The violence included murders, rapes, arson, and forced displacement. International mediators, including former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, intervened to find a peaceful solution. After weeks of negotiations, Kibaki and Odinga agreed to a power-sharing arrangement in February 2008. Kibaki remained president, while Odinga assumed the newly created office of prime minister. This had profound repercussions for Kenya. It revealed the country's ethnic divisions and the weaknesses of the political system. Reforms were subsequently initiated, including the adoption of a new constitution in 2010, which, among other things, provided for the decentralization of power and strengthened human rights. The events of 2007/2008 are a dark chapter in Kenya's history that continues to reverberate today and shapes the country's political landscape. Politically, corruption undermines democracy and good governance. It distorts the electoral process, as politicians use illegal funds to buy votes or manipulate election results. This undermines the legitimacy of elected politicians and weakens the democratic institutions essential for political accountability. Kenya has made several attempts to combat corruption over the years, with varying degrees of success. The establishment of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in 2011 was an important step in combating corruption. The EACC is tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases and promoting ethical practices in the public service. However, the commission faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, political influence, and a lack of cooperation with other government agencies. The judiciary also played a crucial role in the fight against corruption, particularly under the leadership of Chief Justice Willy Mutunga (Chief Justice of Kenya from 2011 to 2016 and shaped the reform of the judicial system following the 2010 Constitution. A radical activist in the 1970s and 1980s, he was imprisoned for his support of the December Twelve Movement and forced into exile in Canada, where he earned his doctorate. Mutunga initiated comprehensive structural reforms. He introduced performance indicators and decentralized courts. This brought him into conflict with the executive and legislative branches, which he criticized as a "bandit economy") and his successor, David Maraga (a Kenyan jurist who served as the 14th Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya from October 2016 to January 2021). He was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016 and annulled the presidential elections. In 2017, he was dismissed due to irregularities, citing "the greatness of a nation in its fidelity to the constitution." This decision drew praise for the independence of the judiciary but strained relations with the executive. He faced petitions accusing him of tribal bias in judicial appointments and misconduct, including allegations of favoritism towards his Kisii ethnic group. His tenure was marked by budget cuts and tensions with parliament and the executive, culminating in a low-key farewell ceremony. Despite criticism, his electoral jurisprudence remains influential. The courts have handed down several landmark rulings against corrupt officials, including high-ranking politicians and business leaders. However, trials are often slow and cumbersome, and many cases are delayed or dismissed due to lack of evidence or witness intimidation. Civil society and the media have also played a significant role in exposing corruption and holding leading politicians accountable. Organizations such as Transparency International Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission are at the forefront of fighting corruption, pushing for reforms, and raising awareness of the impact of corruption on society. The media, especially investigative journalists, have played a crucial role in uncovering major corruption scandals such as the Goldenberg and Anglo Leasing scandals, which implicated high-ranking government officials. Despite these efforts, the fight against corruption in Kenya faces significant challenges. One of the main obstacles is the lack of political will to implement meaningful reforms. Many politicians and officials are themselves involved in corrupt practices, making the passage and enforcement of anti-corruption laws difficult. Furthermore, a culture of impunity persists, with many corrupt individuals escaping punishment due to their political connections or influence. Another challenge is the lack of public awareness and participation in the fight against corruption. Many Kenyans view corruption as a normal part of life and have accepted its existence. This apathy undermines efforts to create a culture of accountability and transparency. However, there is also an opportunity to mobilize citizens and empower them to demand better governance. Grassroots movements and community-based organizations can play a critical role in educating the public about the dangers of corruption and encouraging action. Gen Z in Kenya is growing up in a country that, despite economic progress and political reform, continues to face high levels of corruption. Corruption is a deeply rooted problem that affects all aspects of society, from politics and business to citizens' daily lives. For many young Kenyans, corruption is an everyday phenomenon. They experience it in the form of bribery in government agencies, schools, healthcare, and even the police. Young people are frustrated by widespread corruption, which hinders equal opportunity and economic development. Gen Z in Kenya is increasingly politically aware and active. Many young people use social media to denounce corruption and advocate for transparency and accountability. Movements like #FakeNewsKE and #StopGraft (against corruption) were initiated by young Kenyans to draw attention to abuses. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are used to document corruption cases and exert public pressure on politicians and institutions. Corruption is hindering the future prospects of Gen Z. Bribery and nepotism are widespread in schools and universities, undermining the quality of education. In the labor market, corruption makes it difficult to access jobs, as connections or bribes are often more important than qualifications. Many young Kenyans are frustrated by the lack of progress in the fight against corruption. This often leads to a feeling of hopelessness and a desire to leave the country (“brain drain”). At the same time, however, there is also a growing movement of young people who are staying. The fight against corruption is not just a legal or institutional challenge, but a moral imperative. It requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society to improve the corruption situation. The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

@transparency international