Corruption and Crime Epidemic Hits Kenya

Kenya is grappling with an alarming level of corruption and organized crime, with government officials, executives, and influential individuals embroiled in a web of financial fraud, embezzlement, and misuse of funds.

Widespread Corruption

Recent investigations have uncovered irregular payments to unauthorized companies and embezzlement cases involving important associations of professionals, including lawyers, pilots, and businessmen. The corruption is so pervasive that it has infiltrated both the formal and informal sectors, with illicit proceeds derived from domestic and foreign organized crime.

Government Inaction

The Kenyan government has been accused of turning a blind eye to corruption, with high-ranking officials allegedly involved in siphoning public funds into offshore accounts. The lack of infrastructure to prevent online gambling platforms from being used as conduits for money laundering is also a concern.

Economic Impact

Kenya’s economic regulatory capacity is moderately high, but large-scale corruption enables illicit activities to continue virtually uninhibited. The country’s informal economy is extremely large, and the government has made little effort to address the issue.

Victims of Organized Crime

The victims of organized crime, including human trafficking victims, drug users, and others, lack sufficient protection. The government’s anti-organized crime units have had some success, but whistleblowing remains rare due to mistrust of security agencies.

Role of Civil Society

Civil society plays a significant role in combating organized crime, but the decline of civil society organizations owing to a lack of funding and government efforts to silence the sector has been a concerning trend. Journalists in Kenya face notable challenges, with negative coverage and critical reporting of the ruling party often resulting in costly consequences.

Government Response

The Kenyan government has announced plans to build a concrete wall ringed with barbed wire, an electric fence, and trenches along its northern border with Somalia to combat terrorism and human trafficking. However, corruption among customs officials has enabled organized crime to flourish, and human smuggling, human trafficking, charcoal exports, timber trafficking, and wildlife trafficking continue to occur.

Cybercrime

The COVID-19 pandemic and digital transformation have also led to a sharp increase in cybercrime, including phishing scams and ransomware, operated by Kenyan cybercriminals in collusion with hackers from other African countries.

Urgent Action Required

International organizations and governments are calling for urgent action to combat corruption and organized crime in Kenya. The country’s leaders must take immediate steps to address the issue, including increasing transparency and accountability, strengthening institutions, and protecting whistleblowers.