How ordinary people can join war against corruption
By People Reporter, June 28, 2021Frankline Sewe
A few years ago, I attended a research seminar organised by the University of Nairobi’s Institute for Diplomacy and International Studies at the Nairobi Safari Club.
The event had been set up to release findings on the status of devolution and corruption in Kenya.
Just before the session kicked off, a young postgraduate student whispered to me that we were losing the war on corruption and that the public could do nothing about it.
I wasn’t surprised. In the latest Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International, Kenya scored a measly 31 points out of 100 signaling the long journey ahead towards transparency and a corrupt free country.
From a failing health care system, to citizens starving to death, to alarming unemployment rates, to an almost nonexistent public transport infrastructure among others- all as a result of corruption, who couldn’t empathize with the postgraduate student?
The question that should be asked is, how can the ordinary citizen aid in the fight against corruption?
A National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2017 by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that, “at a personal level, 61.7 per cent of respondents have done nothing to support the fight against corruption and promotion of sound ethical standards in the country.”
Isn’t this a damning indictment of a citizenry that often blames the government or its institutions for failing to curb corruption?
The good news, however, is that a 2019 report by the Afrobarometer revealed that despite fears of retaliation and inaction, 53 per cent of Kenyans believed that ordinary people could make a difference in the fight against corruption.
At a church function in Subukia, Nakuru County last year, President Uhuru Kenyatta said, “Every one of us has a responsibility to ensure we combat corruption” and that “if each and every one of us plays their roles effectively, I don’t see the reason why we cannot tackle the challenges facing us.” I couldn’t agree more with the President.
One of the ways that citizens could help in the fight against corruption is by reporting incidences of corruption to the authorities.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has provided a couple of avenues for Kenyans to report corruption including by writing, by telephone, anonymously or even physically presenting oneself to the commission’s report Centre in Nairobi or in regional offices.
By coming forward you not only make a stand against corruption but also stand up for a better Kenya.
Citizens can also fight corruption by teaching their children that corruption is unacceptable and by reinforcing virtues of integrity through storytelling and also serving as real life examples of people living an honest and respectable life.
By refusing to pay or accept bribes, citizens can deal a huge blow to graft. Rejecting illicit rewards for work done or to be done will send a strong message to not only those who attempt to solicit favours but also to those working in cahoots with them.
Citizens can also safeguard development by electing honest leaders with integrity, leaders who walk the talk.
On top of that, it is important to tell elected officials to prioritise the fight against corruption.
Like Peter Eigen, Founder of Transparency International said, “People should be conscious that they can change a corrupt system.”
Kenyans should be at the forefront in championing a corruption-free nation by holding public officials accountable, reporting corrupt activities and abiding by the law. —The writer is an educationist on anti-corruption issues at EACC — sewefrankline@gmail.com