CORRUPTION: THE MONSTER
Corruption
has since become a poison to economic growth and development. News on
corruption has never exited our dailies. We have heard of the Anglo-Leasing,
Goldenberg, free education probe and even
the latest mega scandal; Railway project. These scandals have not only caused
the country economic problems but have also ruined our reputation on the global
scale. The global corruption perception index 2012 released by Transparency
international, Kenya was ranked 139 out of the 176 countries. This has lowered
our pride as Kenyans.
Fig: EACC HEADQUARTERS
NAIROBI http://www.eacc.go.ke/contacts/nairobi.asp
“The mystery of the
disappearance of the free primary education funds”
The disappearance of Millions of dollars donated by the UK
and meant for free primary education remains a mystery. The donors halted the
aid over corrupt government claims.
The scandal saw over 4.2 billion Kenyan shillings greedily
stolen from the innocent Kenyans through the ministry of Education. It Prompted
the then British High Commissioner to Kenya, Rob Macaire to sounding a warning
to Kenya to make significant reforms for it to be considered for funding in
future.
Most shaming is that political corruption has become a
household activity where most of the corruption scandals are linked to
politicians. They later take shield in commissions set to investigate their
conduct which have instead turned opaque to transparency and accountability.
Through their influence, the accused then turns the accuser with the big fish dragging the fight back and
even claiming for damages. Worst still, reports from the commissions have never
been brought to the public and recommendations worked on.
The Business of
corruption in Malaysia by Jeswan Kaur (12-29-11)
Anti-Corruption
ambassadors like Kiharu Member of Parliament have taken the fight to the
national assembly.
“Yes. The animal is big and should be addressed without
fear.”
Irungu Kang'ata has
already filled a notice of an amendment to the Anti-corruption and Economic
Crimes Act with the speaker, Justine Muturi. The amendment is set to put death
as a punishment to corruption. County governments have also been put on lime
light on corruption issues. They have been asked to comply with Article 201(a) of the constitution requires openness,
accountability and public participation in financial matters further the Public
Finance Management Act, Section 125(2), demands that the County Executive Committees
ensure there is public participation in the entire budget process.
Recently, the Embu governor
became the first governor to be impeached in corruption related issues thanks
to the Embu county assembly.
A corruption topic can’t pass
without us mentioning the multibillion laptop and the standard gauge railway
projects that have lately hit the news. Kenyans are still crossing their
fingers to see these projects implemented. The railway project for instance,
was meant to elevate the country’s economy by reducing the cost of bulk
transits, time taken to transport goods from Mombasa to Malaba and reduce
congestion on the roads. However with allegations of improper tendering process,
Kenyans are still hoping against hope that things will be well and the project
set back on track.
From the two mega scandals
and the other unsolved cases, it is clear that the new digital government is yet to yield fruits in fighting corruption. With
the increased awareness and quest for action many individuals and organisations
have decided to hold the bull by the horns however wild it may be, and address
the matter. Our concrete case studies range from activists like the Robert
Alai who is tirelessly mobilizing Kenyans against the vice,
Legislator Dr Khalwale with the famous ,’ To
end corruption and impunity in this county….’ loud and direct to the big fish
and now organizations are running
upfront. The
question remains, do we act our words?
When will news on corruption stop trending our news?
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