This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Corruption has been a persistent issue in Kenya, with some comparing it to cancer. The problem has been described as a mental issue by some, while others argue it is deeply ingrained in Kenyan culture.
As the country continues to grapple with graft, it is worth examining the root causes of the problem. Despite the establishment of institutions such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), corruption remains rampant, with many state agencies and private sector entities implicated.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his then-Swiss counterpart Alain Berset signed the Framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime in Kenya in 2018, aiming to recover stolen funds hidden in Switzerland. However, a report released this year revealed that Kenya is among the top three countries sending funds to foreign accounts.
As anti-graft crusaders ponder how to educate the youth on values and ethics, the question remains: would teaching ethics at a young age help curb corruption in the country? The answer lies in the fact that when individuals witness others flouting the law and getting away with it, they are less likely to work hard and do things the right way.
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, executive director of Siasa Place, notes that the government is struggling to engage young people in the fight against corruption. Despite the establishment of Integrity Clubs by the EACC, young people still lack confidence in the institution.
