The sports category has moved to a new website.
ADVERTISEMENT

Is Kenya irredeemably corrupt?

President Uhuru declared corruption a 'National Security Threat'

Fraud in public procurement has become endemic and corruption has permeated all nooks and crevices of society to a point where it has become ‘permissible’

ADVERTISEMENT

Kenya Police

One of the institutions that is supposed to be in the forefront of the fight against corruption is itself mired in endless corruption claims.

The Kenya Police has constantly held the unwanted top spot of ‘most corrupt’ institution in Kenya. So bad is the murk that to get service from the police, one has to part with a bribe in many instances.

Kajiado County

A spot check in Kajiado County painted a picture of an upset populace.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The scarce nature of the resources available is the root of corruption,” lamented one young man.

He continued to say that “When there is monopoly of the little resources available, people are inclined to be corrupt in order to get access.”

An equally irritated lady stated “Corruption makes the gap between the rich and the poor become so big because only those people with money can take advantage of opportunities.”

Among the groups frustrated and exasperated by the seeming inability of any institution or group to halt corruption is the youth. They have been among the leading voices against the voice citing it as among the contributors to their major woes like unemployment.

However, the youth have also been caught up in the seemingly implacable web of corruption.  A survey released by Aga Khan University, East African Institute showed that half of Kenyan youth condone corruption and adore successful beneficiaries of the vice.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bribery index

“50 percent believe it doesn’t matter how one makes money as long as one does not end up in jail. 47 percent admire those who hook or crook, (including hustling). 30 percent believe corruption is profitable,” the survey asserted.

They survey further confirmed the worst fears of tackling widespread corruption in the society after it revealed that 35 percent of young people are comfortable with giving or receiving bribes.

It was also disturbing to see that only 40 percent of the young people appreciate the importance of paying taxes.

Obviously alive to the gravity of the situation, President Uhuru Kenyatta declared corruption a national security threat. This was a major shift on the war on corruption that had previously been perceived as an economic crime and an integrity issue.

ADVERTISEMENT

Barack Obama

On his visit to Kenya, Pope Francis did not mince his words; he said corruption is a path to death. Former United States President Barack Obama underpinned the issue by reminding Kenyans that corruption costs the country 250,000 jobs annually.

It is obvious that corruption is the greatest evil in Kenya and whether or not a panacea is in the horizon is now just a waiting game.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulselive.co.ke

Recommended articles

Ababu Namwamba revokes appointment of Azziad & 10 other committee members

Ababu Namwamba revokes appointment of Azziad & 10 other committee members

Biden mistakenly calls Sunak ‘Mr President’ at White House meeting

Biden mistakenly calls Sunak ‘Mr President’ at White House meeting

Pope’s post-surgery recovery progressing – Holy See spokesperson

Pope’s post-surgery recovery progressing – Holy See spokesperson

Museveni in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19

Museveni in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19

35 witnesses lined up for inquest on Jeff Mwathi's death

35 witnesses lined up for inquest on Jeff Mwathi's death

CS Moses Kuria regrets sponsoring Eric Omondi's U.S tour [Video]

CS Moses Kuria regrets sponsoring Eric Omondi's U.S tour [Video]

How Ruto changed my life - Mama Mboga responds to claims of abandonment [Video]

How Ruto changed my life - Mama Mboga responds to claims of abandonment [Video]

Senate mourns Moody Awori's daughter

Senate mourns Moody Awori's daughter

Pastor Dorcas counters DP Gachagua's claim that he conquered her heart first

Pastor Dorcas counters DP Gachagua's claim that he conquered her heart first

Pulse Sports

Faith Kipyegon makes special dedication after shattering world record in Italy

Faith Kipyegon makes special dedication after shattering world record in Italy

Fred Arocho, Eric Njiru thrill fans as football season concludes [Photos]

Fred Arocho, Eric Njiru thrill fans as football season concludes [Photos]

Unleashing the power of M-PESA & its impact on mobile banking and sports betting

Unleashing the power of M-PESA & its impact on mobile banking and sports betting

Comedian Arap Uria received by Senator Mandago after cycling from Eldoret to Nairobi

Comedian Arap Uria received by Senator Mandago after cycling from Eldoret to Nairobi

Thika Sports Club, next stop for NCBA golf series

Thika Sports Club, next stop for NCBA golf series

Big Ted's inspiring message to Kenya's rugby community

Big Ted's inspiring message to Kenya's rugby community

Fitness influencer Shiv Simani joins fight against sports neglect by gov't

Fitness influencer Shiv Simani joins fight against sports neglect by gov't

Kipchoge wins Sh7.4M prize in Spain

Kipchoge wins Sh7.4M prize in Spain

Ombachi shares how career-threatening injury pushed him into content creation

Ombachi shares how career-threatening injury pushed him into content creation

ADVERTISEMENT