This archive report was first published on 30 October 2019.
Kenya: US Envoy Urges Kenyans to Step Up Fight Against Corruption ¶
Published on October 30, 2019
US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter has called on Kenyans to intensify their efforts in the fight against corruption, emphasizing that the billions of shillings lost through graft could fund the country's Big Four Agenda.
The Big Four Agenda, which includes affordable housing, manufacturing, universal healthcare, and food security, is a key priority for the Kenyan government. However, McCarter noted that the billions of shillings lost to corruption could be used to fund these initiatives.
"It is ironical that the billions of shillings lost through corruption is equivalent to the cost of funding the government's Big Four agenda," McCarter said.
He added that those engaging in corruption are depriving Kenyan citizens of what they deserve, and urged citizens to come out more vigorously and condemn the vice.
McCarter also commended the Catholic Church's efforts to fight graft, saying that the church's corruption reporting desks in all its churches across the country were a significant step forward.
He urged other denominations to emulate the church and speak in one voice to tame the runaway corruption.
McCarter also announced that the US government would train prosecutors and investigators on how to handle graft cases, and would provide support to the judiciary to hold people accountable.
He emphasized the need for Kenyans to change their perspective on the war against corruption, saying that a time has come for Kenyans to come together and say no to graft.
