This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
Published on May 12, 2020, by Charles Kibiru, a renowned author, the article 'Try official lobbying to root out graft' delves into the complexities of corruption in Kenya.
Corruption is a hydra-headed monster that thrives in the darkest echelons of society, making it challenging to unpack and legislate effectively.
Waging war on corruption requires a deep understanding of the underworld where it thrives, and a credible onslaught must forge a tight counter-strategy to confront established cartels head-on.
The author proposes adopting lobbying as a means to smoke out the ethereal networks driving graft, citing the US model as a potential solution.
Lobbyists are intercessors who assert their influence on political and social outfits on behalf of individuals or organizations, seeking to shape opinion in favor of desired outcomes.
Opinion is divided on whether lobbyists are ethical interlocutors or glorified villains, but the author believes their formal trade elevates them above the 'tenderpreneurs' and hooded operatives ruling the graft underworld in Kenya.
According to Statista, the United States had close to 12,000 active lobbyists as of last year, with sectors like pharmaceuticals, insurance, and business associations engaging lobbyists extensively.
The author suggests taking a leaf from the US model to come up with legislation that can effectively deal a body blow to corruption in Kenya, and proposes enticing the underworld to come to the open through formal lobbying.
