CORRUPTION IN KENYA
By a Concerned Citizen
About the Author: She’s lives in Nairobi, Kenya.
CONTENTS
HOW CORRUPTION SHOWS UP IN KENYA
WHY CORRUPTION THRIVES IN KENYA
MAJOR CORRUPTION SCANDALS IN KENYA
CORRUPTION IN KENYA
Corruption is a dark cloud that looms over many nations, but in Kenya, it seems to have taken on a life of its own. It’s no longer just a series of isolated events — it’s embedded deeply into the systems and structures that govern the country. From the moment an ordinary citizen walks into a government office to access services, the shadow of corruption often hangs over them. Bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and favoritism are now part of the fabric of Kenyan life. It’s as if corruption has become a normalized part of the system, a disease that spreads through the veins of governance, the economy, and even social relationships.
But what is the true cost of corruption? It’s not just about the financial losses, though those are immense — it’s about the erosion of trust in the system, the undermining of public institutions, and the perpetuation of inequality. Corruption doesn’t just affect the rich and powerful, it impacts the poorest citizens, who are deprived of essential services. Healthcare, education, security, the things that should be a right are denied, all for the selfish gain of a few. And the people? We are left with broken systems, a lack of accountability, and a country trapped in a vicious cycle.
HOW CORRUPTION SHOWS UP IN KENYA
In Kenya, corruption is multifaceted. It can range from petty bribes, asked for at government offices, to huge scandals that involve billions of shillings {~130 shillings = $1}. One of the most common forms of corruption is bribery, where individuals pay to receive better services or faster processing of documents. The process of getting a driving license, registering a company, or even receiving medical care can often involve a transaction that’s hidden from the public eye. For many Kenyans, this is simply part of daily life.
Then there's embezzlement. Public funds that are meant to help improve the country are instead siphoned off into private pockets. This happens in every corner of the country, from hospitals, that lack basic equipment, to schools, that are understaffed and underfunded. The National Youth Service (NYS) scandal, for example, saw millions of shillings stolen through fake projects and ghost companies, an act that devastated the public trust in government initiatives meant to empower young people.
But it doesn’t end there. Nepotism and favoritism have become rampant, as people in power appoint their friends and family members to important positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications. This creates a culture of mediocrity and leaves out more competent individuals who don’t have the “right connections.” Meanwhile, conflict of interest continues to be an issue, as officials use their power to advance their personal business interests, further undermining the common good.
And perhaps most troubling is this abuse of office, where those in positions of power use their authority to manipulate situations for personal gain. This is not just a problem in government — it’s rampant in business, law enforcement, and education as well. As a result, public resources are drained, and the trust that citizens have in their leaders is further eroded.
WHY CORRUPTION THRIVES IN KENYA
To understand why corruption is so entrenched, we must first look at the root causes.
Greed is undoubtedly one of the biggest factors. The desire for wealth and the allure of living a lavish life without working for it drives many to take shortcuts. But poverty also plays a role. When individuals are struggling to make ends meet, the temptation to resort to corrupt practices in order to survive or improve one’s situation becomes even greater.
Another reason corruption thrives in Kenya is the weakness of institutions meant to fight it. Anti-corruption agencies are underfunded, and often, those in charge are themselves complicit in corrupt practices. The judiciary is equally weak, and many high-profile individuals know that they are unlikely to face any serious consequences for their actions. The culture of impunity is so deeply ingrained that even when corrupt acts are exposed, the perpetrators often walk away without facing justice.
Furthermore, there’s a lack of transparency in government dealings. Without access to information, citizens are left in the dark about how their tax money is being used. When the whistleblower who tries to speak out risks retaliation, it creates an atmosphere where corruption can flourish unchecked.
Lack of political will is another crucial factor. Many political leaders, both at the national and local levels, often claim to fight corruption, but they don’t follow through with real action. This lack of commitment from those at the top leaves anti-corruption efforts powerless and ineffective.
In addition, the weakness of civil society and media plays a role. Although there are civil society organizations and media outlets that work tirelessly to expose corruption, they are often underfunded, face intimidation, or lack the protection needed to do their work freely. A strong, independent media and civil society are essential in keeping leaders accountable and raising public awareness about corrupt activities. When these institutions are weak or compromised, corruption goes unchecked.
Failure to uphold the rule of law is also a major contributor to corruption’s persistence. Even though laws exist to combat corruption, they are often not enforced or are applied unevenly. Those with wealth or power can often manipulate the legal system, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to seek justice. Without consistent law enforcement and fair application of justice, those who engage in corrupt activities feel untouchable.
Cultural attitudes also have an influence. In many communities, corruption is seen as an acceptable means of survival, especially when people believe that "everyone is doing it" or that corruption is the only way to get ahead in life. This normalization of corruption at the societal level makes it harder to change attitudes and dismantle corrupt systems. Changing the public’s perception of corruption is an essential step in breaking the cycle, but it requires significant cultural shifts and education at all levels of society.
Historical factors also contribute to the issue. Colonialism and the legacy of post-colonial governance created systems of inequality and exploitation that continue to affect how resources are distributed and how power is exercised today. These historical patterns of abuse are deeply ingrained in Kenyan institutions, making it harder to create transparent and accountable systems.
Finally, economic inequality is another underlying driver of corruption. The vast gap between the rich and the poor means that many people see corruption as a necessary means of securing better opportunities. When access to resources is limited and the chances of economic mobility seem slim, corruption becomes a tool for survival. It’s a vicious cycle where the poor become more dependent on corrupt systems, further entrenching the problem.
MAJOR CORRUPTION SCANDALS IN KENYA
Kenya has been the site of some of the most infamous corruption scandals in recent history.
The Goldenberg scandal is one of the earliest and most egregious examples. It involved a fraudulent gold export scheme that saw billions of shillings {~130 shillings = $1} funneled into the pockets of a few individuals, leaving the country’s finances in tatters. The scandal is a clear example of how corruption at the highest levels can have long-lasting effects on the economy.
Then came the Anglo Leasing scandal, which involved the government signing fake contracts for services and goods that were never delivered. This scandal cost Kenya billions, and to this day, many of those responsible have never been held accountable.
More recently, the KEMSA scandal saw the theft of funds meant to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. While the country was grappling with the health crisis, public funds were mismanaged, and corrupt officials pocketed money meant for lifesaving equipment. Scandals like these are not just about stolen money they undermine the trust people have in their leaders and in the system itself.
Even in healthcare, the mosquito net scandal saw officials siphoning off funds meant for critical health programs. People who needed these nets for protection against malaria were denied, while officials enriched themselves. This kind of corruption has severe consequences for the most vulnerable in society.
The Kenya Power Scandal involves the mismanagement of funds allocated to expand the electricity grid in the country. Despite the vast sums of money intended to improve the power supply, corruption among officials at Kenya Power led to overpricing and under-delivery. This scandal further highlighted the inefficiencies and mismanagement plaguing Kenya’s state-owned corporations.
In addition to this, the Nairobi County Land Scandal was another significant corruption case that involved the illegal sale of land meant for public use. Officials within the Nairobi County Government colluded with developers to sell public land, including parks and government buildings, for personal profit. This not only deprived the public of essential spaces but also highlighted the lack of oversight and accountability in local governance.
The Boda Boda Bribery Scandal in 2019 shed light on how police officers were complicit in accepting bribes from boda boda operators {A boda boda is a type of motorcycle taxi commonly found in East Africa, particularly in countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania}. These illegal payments allowed the riders to operate without adhering to traffic regulations, which led to chaos on the roads. This scandal is an example of how corruption undermines safety and order in society, as it prioritizes individual gain over public well-being.
The Fake Arms Deal Scandal involved the procurement of security equipment at inflated prices. Police officials and other government officers were found to have engaged in fraudulent transactions involving the purchase of arms and other security equipment, which were either substandard or never delivered. The stolen funds that were meant to protect citizens were instead pocketed by a few individuals, leaving the country more vulnerable to insecurity.
The KEBS Scandal involved the importation of counterfeit goods into Kenya. This included substandard pharmaceuticals, electronics, and building materials that were passed as certified products by the Kenya Bureau of Standards. The importation of such goods not only endangered consumers’ lives but also harmed the country’s economy, as citizens unknowingly spent money on fake or low-quality goods.
In the realm of public health, the Health Ministry Scandal (2018) further exposed corruption within the country’s public sector. The funds meant for vital health programs were diverted into private pockets, leaving hospitals ill-equipped and underserved. The public health sector’s inability to function as intended deprived citizens of crucial services, further eroding the credibility of the government.
The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Scandal involved the misallocation of funds meant for development at the grassroots level. MPs were accused of embezzling or misusing the funds, which were intended for local infrastructure and social services. These actions directly affected citizens at the grassroots level, who were denied access to much-needed services.
The Nairobi Expressway Scandal involved allegations of corruption surrounding the construction of the much-anticipated expressway. The scandal revolved around overpricing and non-transparent deals between officials and contractors, leading to a significant misuse of public funds. The project, which was meant to ease traffic congestion in Nairobi, instead became a symbol of the country’s ongoing battle with corruption.
The Sugar Importation Scandal of the 2000s involved the illegal importation of sugar through corrupt deals with officials at the Ministry of Agriculture. Substandard sugar, often unsafe for consumption, was allowed into the market at inflated prices. This further undermined public health and caused economic strain on both consumers and local sugar producers.
The Eurobond Scandal (2014) also contributed to Kenya's long-standing corruption issues. It involved the issuance of a Eurobond to raise funds for government projects, but the misuse of the funds and lack of accountability surrounding the debt raised serious questions. Billions of shillings {~130 shillings = $1} went unaccounted for, and no satisfactory explanation was provided to the public.
CONCLUSION
The fight against corruption in Kenya is not going to be easy, but it is not impossible either. A multifaceted approach is required, with both governmental and non-governmental actors playing a role. First, institutions must be strengthened. Anti-corruption bodies, the judiciary, and law enforcement must be given the tools and independence to carry out their duties effectively. Without strong institutions, corruption will continue to thrive.
Transparency is key. The introduction of e-government systems and open data platforms is one promising step forward. These systems allow citizens to track government spending and monitor procurement processes. When the public has access to information, it becomes harder for corrupt individuals to hide their actions.
Empowering the people is also essential. Whistleblower protection must be taken seriously, and public participation in decision-making should be encouraged. Citizens must be educated on the dangers of corruption, and they must be equipped with the knowledge to hold their leaders accountable. There needs to be a concerted effort to promote ethical leadership, from local administrators to national politicians.
Addressing poverty and inequality is equally important. Corruption thrives when people feel desperate, when they see no way out of their struggles except through unethical means. By improving access to basic services, providing opportunities for education, and creating sustainable jobs, we can reduce the pressures that push people into corruption.
Corruption is not an insurmountable challenge, but it requires collective action and a sustained effort from all sectors of society. We must call for stronger institutions, advocate for transparency, and demand accountability. If we are to truly break the cycle, we must push for ethical leadership at every level, support public participation, and create a culture that rejects corruption.
The future of Kenya depends on the actions taken today. Let’s not let corruption continue to steal from us. Let’s work together for a future where the country’s resources benefit the people, where integrity and hard work are rewarded, and where the next generation inherits a nation that is free from the shackles of corruption.