What About Corruption- Free Awareness Month?
Image source: https://balkaneu.com/international-organizations-in-bih-call-on-institutions-to-fight-corruption/
Wanjiku loves watching the TV, but for the last few months, she has been turning the magic box off each time the news is about to start. For Wanjiku and millions of other Kenyans, watching news bulletins has become a living nightmare and a painful reminder of the high levels of corruption in the country. Every day, reporters uncover scandals like the infamous NYS saga, the skyrocketing misuse of funds by county governments, and the KEMSA scandal where top officials were accused of looting funds meant for COVID-19.
Wanjiku feels that perhaps, Kenya should take a short break to understand what being “corruption-free” actually means. Can you imagine what would happen if all public officers and citizens who engage in corruption said a firm “NO” to such activities for the next 30 days?
Faster government services
Many Kenyans know that a visit to the county or social services office demands patience, and to beat the long lines, many wake up before sunlight only to wait for a government official that will show up 4 hours past opening hours. In a corruption-free month, this official would arrive at his station on time to serve the people that pay his salary, and instead of making their lives harder, he would address their concerns expeditiously. Corruption starts a long chain of wrongful benefits that, when abandoned, can save millions in valued time and resources.
No connections, No problem
In American movies, “a connection” describes a criminal who supplies drugs, but in Kenya, “a connection” is a high-ranking official that connects you to a job or tender through the back-door. If corrupt services are suspended, no qualified youth would require a connection when applying for jobs or opportunities in the country. All candidates would go through a free and fair hiring process where the most deserving candidates would get a fighting chance. Corruption makes it impossible for hard-working young people to gain meaningful employment,
Economic Growth & Sustainability
In 2019, Kenya scored 28 out of 100 points on The Corruption Index, where 0 means “highly corrupt,” and 100 is “very clean.” With statistics showing that at least a third of Kenya’s budget is lost to corruption each fiscal year, there is no doubt that billions earmarked for development end up in the pockets of the crooked rich 1%.
If corruption is avoided for just 30 days, the economy will benefit from positive growth, sustainable development, and foreign direct investment. Gradually, an improving economy will provide benefits to all citizens as the economy would meet the needs of all.
Healthier and happier Kenyans
Data from Transparency International indicates that at least a quarter of African’s youngest and poorest citizens must pay bribes every day to survive. Because of corruption, many languish in poverty, have no access to healthcare, and are unable to attain quality education among other social amenities. In a Kenya without corruption, ordinary people would be hopeful about their futures as healthcare, education, and opportunities for advancement would be reachable for all.
As she turns her TV back on, Wanjiku realizes that while her MCA, MP, Governor, and President declare their intentions to fight corruption, their words never match their actions. While the possibilities of a corruption-free month are attractive, Wanjiku realizes that her aspirations are closer to being dreams than reality. She knows that the fight against corruption is just a slogan that those seeking elective positions will sing during elections, a tune that immediately fades away to await the next election cycle. What do you think Wanjiku should do to make a change?
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.