Corruption in Kenya
April 3rd, 2009
Recently Kenya’s vice –president Kalonzo Musyoka, came out with a stinging statement accusing some Cabinet ministers of using public funds to finance their parties in readiness for the 2012 elections. As reported in the Kenyan media, he went on to say that the looting by the ministers is the cause of the massive starvation facing approximately 10 million Kenyans, massive unemployment and soaring poverty levels in the country. His comments alluded to a government in a mission of self destruction and consuming the country in its many iniquities
His argument also alluded to ministers stealing so that they could fund the 2012 general elections and of course with the prime motive around presidential succession. I won’t dwell on the merits or demerits of these statements , suffice it to say that our nation is under siege and undergoing a sort of catharsis. But what is clear that the leadership of Kenya across the spectrum (political, Social, economic, religious etc) need re-invention. It is clear that unless there is a paradigm shift in Kenya’s political leadership the country will continue and increasingly decline in the long-haul such that it’s stability is no longer guaranteed.
Narrowing the issues afflicting Kenya first to an economic plane, this country is facing serious economic challenges. The biggest impediment to realisation of the requisite growth to spur confidence and address the rising poverty levels, is politics. And embedded in Kenya’s political frame is corruption which inherently and reproductively is increasingly sabotaging full realisation of wealth creation and potential across the broad spectrum of the population. In effect the richer, the politically powerful and connected are increasingly becoming richer and the poor not only poorer but also completely becoming economically vanquished..
Corruption incidentally is not only a Kenyan or African disease. Recent statistics from across section of world watchdog organisations, indicate that bribery around the world involving government officials is estimated at about $1 trillion (£494bn) annually. The immediate consequence of this is that the burden of corruption falls disproportionately on the bottom billion people living in extreme poverty globally. It’s effects is worse in third world and it creates such inequalities that the majority live in poor to absolute poverty. This is the scenario in most African countries including Kenya where poor governance over time and the decadent corrupt political system have left many living in indignity
The future of Kenya lies with innovation, technology , entrepreneurship , knowledge, modern skills and a lot of strategic thinking and re-positioning the country. Kenya like many African countries have great opportunities in resources beyond commodities such as oil, diamonds, platinum, diamonds and so on. If the talents, intellect and strength of Africa and Kenya’s people is properly utilised Africa can be the next or another powerhouse (continent)after the USA of the 20th century. But the derelict regimes, mis-governance, retrogressive cultures, archaic structures and inherent corruption will continue to impede it unless urgent revolutionary measures are engineered. Corruption as a major factor is completely inter-woven in the fabric of African countries systems. It is real and it is strong. And it remains a strong influence in the direction of Africa’s and Kenyan politics.
Corruption in Kenya is the biggest story told in media, social places and homes nowadays. This is not new. Immediately after independence Kenya looked very promising. But almost immediately the grabbing mania, political manipulations and skewed allocation of resources kicked off voraciously. Today the cancer of corruption has permeated the nation systems that it looks a gargantuan to handle. Incidentally corruption is at the core of our entire political systems. Genuine but not well resourced people even with loads of talents cannot effectively get elective political posts crucial to engineer effective political , economical and social changes in the society. Neither can they get space with in a country where money is hard to come buy. Whoever has money it is glorified not-withstanding his or her methodology of acquiring even if he is a war criminal or a human trafficker for instance. The corrupt have their political insurance in force purely by having the requisite money.
If this is like this ,is anyone surprised that parliament has continuously under-performed each term? Does anybody has an illusion that it is possible to mend the inept political system with corruption being so entrenched that it can get total political power and protection. Is this any different from what has happened in South American states and Mexico. Kenyan politics is simply polluted and unless rejuvenated the current morass cannot be easily solved. Corruption did not begin just the other day it just that the nation is at its nadir. Simply stating Kenya is currently static! It has run out of ideas. Corruption as before is the un-disputed king in econo-political sphere.
Is there hope? Corruption is very entrenched but to get rid of it all systems of governance need an overhaul. The first point of call is to fix the constitution. Secondly address poverty. Programmes to initiate developmental and economic progression are a necessity and urgent. Poor people will always be very gullible and manipulable politically. Kenya had a bad experience borne partly out of this in 2008 after the presidential poll results were announced. Poor people can be a dangerous lot. The more people becomes desperate economically the more dangerous they become, politically and economically. So for those responsible they should understand that corruption is creating a very dangerous society for current generation and of course posterity. It simply must stop.
Finally , it is well understood that the Kenyan media has been the biggest fighter and impediment to the evil corruption. Without a vibrant media, corruption would have rabidly and greedily consumed everything by now. But is the Kenyan media still awake that section 88 of the Kenya Communications (amendment) Bill 2008 is still outstanding? This is Kenya’s media death trap!
By Harrison Mwirigi Ikunda,Nairobi. Kenya.