On December 9 every year, the world marks the international anti-corruption day to help raise awareness on graft and highlight rights and responsibilities for everyone in the fight against the vice.
Yesterday, Kenya joined in observing this year’s event with the theme: “Your right, your role: Say no to corruption!”
In 2018, Kenya was ranked 144th out of 180 countries with a score of 27 out of 100, according to a global anti-corruption index. The following year Kenya improved to rank 137th with a score of 28.
By 2020, Kenya had dropped another 13 places to 124th with an improved score of 31. This is still below the sub-Saharan average of 32 and the global average of 43.
In 2018, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) did a survey that revealed a paradox.
Those interviewed cited corruption as the main problem followed by poverty and unemployment. But a majority (61.7 percent) of them said they did nothing to support the fight against corruption during the year under review.
High levels of corruption
Despite the fact that many Kenyans have been lamenting about the high levels of corruption among the ruling elite, they too engage in the vice. An example of institutionalisation of corruption is the findings of rampant graft in the police service.
A report published by Africog in 2016, reported 88.5 percent of citizens believe that the police frequently engage in corruption.
And among those paying bribes are boda boda operators, matatu crew and other motorists caught flouting the law.
In July, Kenyans were shocked to learn that a cash transfer programme initiated by President Kenyatta at the onset of the pandemic did not benefit the vulnerable due to corruption.
Reports about mismanagement and theft of medical supplies were reported. Equipment donated by Jack Ma disappeared from the stores at the airport.
Kenyans have played into the hands of corrupt politicians who are elected by playing the ethnic card. The fight against graft is a collective campaign and we should all stand to be counted. BY DAILY NATION