Majority of Kenyans willing to participate in corruption, EACC survey finds
The survey, which focused on youth involvement in corruption, highlighted a troubling trend where many respondents indicated they would partake in corrupt activities.
Approximately 59 per cent of Kenyans would engage in corruption if given the opportunity, a survey by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has revealed.
The survey, which focused on youth involvement in corruption, highlighted a troubling trend where many respondents indicated they would partake in corrupt activities.
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The survey further found that only 19 per cent of those surveyed would report corruption if they encountered it, while 23 per cent would remain silent on the matter.
Some respondents expressed doubt over the effectiveness of the EACC, claiming that the body would not take action despite their efforts to report corrupt deals.
In response to the findings, the EACC has urged the youth to take part in a "New Year challenge" for 2025.
The challenge encourages young people to visit the Integrity Centre or any of the commission’s regional offices to report corruption and discuss ways to promote integrity in the country.
"Kenya cannot prosper if the youth, the leaders of tomorrow, are willing to engage in corruption. New Year challenge: Say no to corruption," the commission said.
The commission has also called on all Kenyans to avoid giving or accepting bribes and to report any corruption they witness.
As a young person,what do you do when you encounter corruption? #UnitedAgainstCorruption #YouthAgainstCorruptionKE #IACD2024
— EACC (@EACCKenya) December 8, 2024
EACC Chairperson David Oginde echoed the sentiments.
“Refuse to participate in corrupt activities, refuse to cheat in exams, refuse to acquire fake certificates, refuse to bribe for jobs, refuse to sell your votes, say no to corruption,” Oginde said.
To facilitate this, the EACC has provided a toll-free hotline (1551), as well as mobile numbers (0715007700, 0727285663) and an email address ([email protected]) for anonymous submissions.
Culture of corruption
The revelations come as the African Centre for Open Governance (AfriCOG) released a report accusing President William Ruto’s administration of fostering a culture of corruption, rampant misuse of public funds, and a worrying surge in external borrowing.
Released to coincide with International Anti-Corruption Day on Monday, the 2024 report highlights systemic failures in governance and accountability, describing the situation as a crisis threatening Kenya’s stability.
It cited the acquisition of 36 new loans worth Sh900 shillings in the past year alone, much of it from commercial lenders.
“The lack of accountability regarding the expenditure of these funds is alarming,” the report reads, warning that unchecked borrowing is deepening Kenya’s economic challenges.
The organisation also raised concerns about the erosion of trust in key anti-corruption institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
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