By Rasto Wamalwa.
Kenya is making gradual progress in the fight against corruption, as reflected in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 released today by Transparency International (TI).
The country recorded a slight improvement, scoring 32 points out of 100, up from 31 in 2023.
While the increase is modest, it signals growing public engagement and awareness in tackling corruption.
The CPI ranks 180 countries based on perceived public sector corruption, highlighting corruption as a global challenge.
Despite Kenya’s continued struggles, its resilience in pushing for transparency is evident.
According to Sheila Masinde, Executive Director of Transparency International Kenya, “Kenyans must remain relentless in demanding accountability because corruption thrives where scrutiny is weak.”
The report acknowledges the increasing role of civic activism, especially in the wake of recent national debates on financial transparency.
The widespread protests against financial mismanagement, such as the Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations, illustrate a rising demand for good governance.
Additionally, public scrutiny of key government deals, including the now-canceled Adani energy agreement, reflects a shift towards greater accountability.
Kenya’s performance aligns with the regional trend, with neighboring countries like Rwanda (57 points) and Tanzania (41 points) also showing improvements.
Rwanda, in particular, is highlighted as a leader in East Africa, demonstrating how strong anti-corruption frameworks can yield tangible results.
Despite this progress, Kenya’s score remains below the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 33 and the global average of 43.
This underscores the persistent challenges in the fight against corruption. Key issues include petty bribery, mismanagement of public funds, and weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has repeatedly flagged high-profile cases of financial misconduct, yet prosecutions remain limited.
Political interference and judicial delays continue to hamper efforts to hold corrupt individuals accountable.
Additionally, state institutions mandated to fight corruption often lack the necessary independence and resources.
For Kenya to sustain and accelerate its progress, experts recommend a multi-faceted approach.
Strengthening the independence of anti-corruption bodies, enhancing whistleblower protection, and leveraging technology to improve transparency in public procurement are key strategies.
The role of the media and civil society remains critical in exposing corruption and keeping institutions accountable.
With increased public pressure and reforms, Kenya stands a chance to improve its ranking further in the coming years.
As Kenya moves forward, one thing remains clear: while the journey to a corruption-free society is long and challenging, every step taken in the right direction counts.
The fight against corruption is not just about numbers it is about restoring public trust and ensuring a just and equitable society for all.
