The World Bank defines governance as the manner in which public officials and institutions acquire and exercise the authority to shape public policy and provide public goods and services. The World Bank further identifies six indicators of good public governance which include: control of corruption; voice and accountability; rule of law; government effectiveness; and quality of regulation and political stability.
The Kenyan government has been found wanting especially in the area of controlling corruption. Various government officials have been variously mentioned in corruption cases. Some have so far left their plum positions as investigation are carried out on these allegations. Others are still sitting tight hoping that the ghosts of corruption that are lurking in their closets will remain there. Let all who have in one way or another swindled the taxpayer of their hard-earned money be warned that their days are numbered.
Kenyan has earned a bad reputation for being one of the most corrupt nations in the world. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index of 2010, Kenya is ranked lowly at number 154 out of 178 countries scoring a paltry 2.1 point out of the maximum 10 points. The highest ranked countries scored 9.3 while the lowest ranked country scored 1.1 points. Compared to the highest ranked country, Kenya has a long way to cover but I believe with the concerted efforts of all it’s a battle that can be won.
The renewed vigor that the KACC has shown in the fight against this multiple-headed beast is commendable and it’s everyone’s prayer that they will not lose steam (of course those whom they are hot on their heels are praying otherwise). A lot needs to be done to ensure that Kenya does not slip down in the next Corruption Perceptions Index.
And what do we blame corruption on? What is it that has seen the country get so deep in this rot? Many ills in the society have been blamed on illiteracy and poverty but when it comes to corruption these two are nowhere close. If anything corruption has contributed to the increase in poverty and illiteracy among the populace. How so some may ask? Just think of the billions of shillings that have been lost through questionable deals. Think of how that money could have been spent in instituting development projects and in enhancing education in the country. Have you got the answer to the question now? Inefficient judicial system, cumbersome and dishonest bureaucracies and malfunctioning government institutions are some of the factors that have been identified worldwide as causes of corruption. The high levels of ethnicity, nepotism and impunity have not helped in the Kenyan scenario. There is also the “it’s our turn to eat” syndrome which has become the very part of our political system. All these factors have seen service delivery in our institutions almost grid to halt.
On 27th August 2010, Kenya received a new lifeline when new constitution was promulgated. This should have acted as a yellow card to all corrupt public officials. According to the chapter on leadership and integrity one of the guiding principles is objectivity and impartiality in decision making, and in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favouritism, other improper motives or corrupt practices. This is a very crucial principle; one that will help the nation in the fight against impunity nepotism and corruption. All Kenyans should embrace this principle and in doing so, we’ll all be united in fighting these ills from our society.
Let one and all arise, with hearts both strong and true! Let us all arise to fight these ills that have plagued our society for far too long from our society. This battle will not be worn by keeping quiet and watching our institutions work for us. For even these institutions are nothing without our inputs. Let us fight it by undertaking not to partake in these vices. Let us fight them by exposing those in the midst of us who are bent on seeing the country collapse under the weight of nepotism and impunity. Let us desist from negative ethnicity. Let us fight these ills through the power of our words. Martin Luther’s dream has been carried on all these years by the words that he spoke and the deeds of those who believed in his words. Likewise, let our dreams of a prosperous country be carried in our words and deeds.
Do not underestimate the power of words fellow citizens. Entire civilizations have been forgotten and entire religions have risen and fallen all because they did not master the power of the written word. The largest religions today are where they are because their founders recorded and preserved their beliefs and teaching and it is these written words that have been passed on along generations up to today. In our endeavour to fight corruption, rid the country of nepotism, impunity and negative ethnicity, we must embrace the power of the written word.
And the fruits of our labour will truly fill our hearts with thanksgiving!!
God bless Kenya!!
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