Fighting corruption should go beyond punishment

Over the past week, the hottest trending topics in Kenya have revolved around the Adani tenders and the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Despite appearing unrelated, these events share a common denominator: Corruption in the public service.

Corruption remains a prevalent concern in many developing nations. It impedes progress and development. Africa, in particular, has been extensively involved in this vice for a long time. According to Transparency International, African countries lose over $50 billion annually because of illegal financial flows.

In Kenya, the situation is equally alarming, as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission estimates that the country loses around Sh608 billion every year due to corruption. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of corruption on the economy and society.

The battle against corruption should be a key priority for all stakeholders, because it is critical to promoting transparency, accountability, and long-term growth in the country.

The Adani airport deal has raised concerns about corruption, prompting calls for a thorough investigation. Reports of National Treasury officials making a clandestine trip to India for discussions with Adani Energy Solutions are raising eyebrows. This situation brings to mind a similar incident in South Africa. In 2015, Mcebisi Jonas, then South Africa’s deputy finance minister, faced a harrowing yet enticing decision. During what he thought was a routine business meeting, he found himself at the residence of the influential Gupta family, in the company of the Gupta brothers and the son of President Jacob Zuma. Jonas was promised a promotion and an astounding $45 million.

In exchange, he was to use his position to promote the business interests of the Gupta family. It included sacking officials who opposed the development of power plants utilising fuel from Gupta-owned mines. However, Jonas declined the offer and instead chose to reveal the issue. Who will be our Jonas in Kenya? Can we draw some analogies following that trip to India? You be the judge.

Corruption has a snowball effect. Failure to enforce anti-corruption laws will allow loopholes to lead to massive corruption. Stringent measures should be in place to prevent this from occurring.

In Africa alone, corruption is more detrimental than civil wars. In Kenya, corruption should be a crime against humanity! Corruption has led to loss of life. The impact of corruption in different sectors of our country is enormous. Unfortunately, we are tolerating corruption as a norm in the country. A Greek philosopher once remarked that society punishes minor wrongdoers while elevating the corrupt into positions of power. Is this what has bedevilled our Kenya?

Fighting corruption is a war of diverse magnitude. It has been demonstrated throughout the world that unless you sustain the war, corruption fights right back.

To win this war, people must believe that corruption is evil. What Africa and Kenya lack is an effective punishment for corruption. We, the electorate, celebrate corruption. We must stop!

While laws must impose harsh punishments for unethical behaviour, punishment is only one part of the equation. Budget transparency, keeping paper trails, and fostering press freedom are all important. We might learn lessons from Botswana, where the government’s constant commitment to prompt and decisive action against corruption boosts public trust.

Corruption is a significant issue that requires transparency and accountability. Enacting laws requiring public workers to reveal their quarterly expenditure on gifts, entertainment, and official travel is vital in the fight against this sin. Strong anti-corruption legislation and penalties, such as fines, jail time, and denial of refuge, can aid in the fight against corruption on a national level.

— The writer is an Innovations Evangelist and a PhD candidate; machariamuhoho@gmail.com