Bribery on the Rise: Kenyans Paying Hefty Sums for Public Services
December 15, 2023
Rampant Corruption in Kenya’s Public Services
A recent survey by the National Ethics and Corruption Survey (NECS) 2023 has revealed that bribery is a widespread problem in Kenya. The survey found that most Kenyans are willing to pay hefty sums for public services, with the average bribe amount increasing to KES 11,625 in 2023.
Highest Rates of Bribery in Western Kenya
The survey highlighted that bribery is most prevalent in Western Kenya, particularly in counties such as West Pokot, where respondents paid an average of KES 56,695. Other counties with high levels of bribery included Nyamira, Baringo, Siaya, and Bungoma.
Need for Public Awareness Campaigns
The report emphasizes the need for intensified public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the detrimental effects of corruption and the role they can play in reporting unethical practices. EACC Commissioner, Jane Muthoni, urged Kenyans to come forward and report any instances of bribery or corruption, saying that “every little bit counts” in the fight against graft.
Survey Findings
- 42.8% of respondents believed that greed was the ultimate cause of corruption
- 49% rated creation of employment as very effective in combating corruption
- 51% of Kenyans are aware of EACC’s efforts to combat corruption, but more needs to be done to strengthen and adequately resource anti-corruption institutions
Recommendations
To address the issue of bribery, the government has been urged to take concrete steps, including:
- Intensifying public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the detrimental effects of corruption
- Strengthening and adequately resourcing anti-corruption institutions
- Promoting collaboration between EACC, strategic agencies, and other stakeholders
- Enhancing public participation and feedback mechanisms in the fight against corruption
- Expediting the enactment of the Whistle Blower Protection Bill and establishing whistleblower protection mechanisms
- Undertaking systems examination in institutions where bribery was either most likely or prevalent
- Instituting preventive measures in Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Counties (MDACs) most prone to corruption
- Accounting officers to enforce existing anti-corruption regulations and promote a culture of integrity and ethics in their agencies
Conclusion
The fight against corruption is a long-term process that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. It is essential for Kenyans to come together and demand accountability from those in power, while also taking personal responsibility for upholding ethical standards.
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