The Triple Threat: Corruption, COVID-19 And Economic downfall

International Anti-Corruption Day

In many ways, corruption continues to be a significant issue in all parts of the world. The difference is in the magnitude, attitudes and the impact it has in diverse contexts. Generally, corruption robs the world of about 3 trillion dollars every year according to The Economist. The disguises of corruption are seen through smokescreens such as cementing trust, increasing social capital, and “priority” projects. 

Now that we are globally in a pandemic that is causing challenges in economic, social, and political sectors, it is becoming more important to raise accountability on how the system serves the people. Corruption becomes more rampant when people are in a crisis since it presents opportunities for people to be careless with policy implementation and financial accountability. Covid-19 has necessitated rapid action which has been emphasized and traded with transparency actions. 

Many issues are arising today as a result of the decisions made in contracting, budgeting, and management in a crisis. The decisions of governments and institutions in managing Covid-19 are impacting the lives of people differently.  All these entities need to take actions to ensure that corruption is eradicated and that the recovery period will not be burdened by more integrity issues. Many transparency concerns during the time could be solved by the following initiatives:

1. Building capacity in COVID-19 evaluation and design- While the pandemic has unraveled many challenges in the budget and its rightful allocation, there is a dire need to maintain human integrity at all times. In the case of Kenya, many people have lost their job due to the pandemic and others are receiving just a portion of their money. Even though donations are made to make sure that the situation is handled, corruption is still imminent in the way funds are managed and allocated. The Doctors Union announced the death of a Kenyan doctor who had not been paid for five months. Such issues have surfaced in the country where funds are directed to non-priority issues such as politics instead of solving the die challenges that citizens have. A more consolidated approach of priorities and solutions during the pandemic can only be found if those in power are in touch with the challenges that the citizens face. A new approach that integrates a human-centered design is the ultimate solution for the challenges that many governments face during a crisis such as coronavirus. 

2. Governments to adopt best practices for procurement and development of the nation. The citizens of a nation should be actively involved in participatory management of the budget. Transparency is one of the aspects of integrity and it should be the key aspect of all businesses and countries. The cost of corruption is seen in present as well as future generations. Leaders should understand the impact it has in the milestones that the country seeks. However, knowledge is not sufficient if there lack structures to make leaders accountable for the goals of the country. The structures of accountability should use information and analysis gathered to build dialogue between the government and civil society, and thereby help the move toward data- and evidence-driven policy.

Soft and hard corruption practices are deeply rooted in many systems and policies in the world. Even with active policies and structures to reduce corruption, accountability and transparency have to be deeply rooted in the values and culture of a nation. Coronavirus pandemic has tested the limits that countries have on integrity. More tests in form of economic frustrations and political uncertainty among others will continue to challenge the beliefs that people and their leaders have. It is upon institutions to create robust systems that eradicate systemic corruption and vows for a fair and justifiable life. 

By Caroline Wanjiku Kamau a Partnerships and Business Development Associate at The Youth Cafe

The Youth Cafe is building the power of young people to impact government policies, uphold their rights, and fight against corruption and closing civic space, by strengthening evidence-based advocacy for accountability, critical thinking and media skills, anti-corruption media contest, and collaboration among state and youth organizations.

Contact us, for any comments and potential collaborations as we strive to end the menace of corruption in Kenya.