Corruption is a persistent problem that affects governments and societies worldwide, including our country, Kenya. It manifests when people give and take bribes, jobs are awarded based on connections rather than qualifications, and public funds are misused for personal gain. Recently, there has been a growing conversation in Kenya, with citizens increasingly calling out the government for its corrupt practices. To effectively tackle this issue, it is important to understand the underlying reasons why people become corrupt.
Why Are People Corrupt?
Some people are driven by selfishness to enrich themselves. They deliberately ignore what is right and wrong. This moral failing leads them to prioritize personal gain over the public good. The solution to manage this lot of people is through punishment as provided by the law.
In addition to this. There are more reasons as to why people are corrupt. Some of which we the people are involved in. They include:
1. Voter Bribery
Politicians use bribes to lure voters and as a tool to compete against opponents and we the people fall for it. For instance, it’s common to hear that someone spent over 50 million Kenya shillings to run for Member of Parliament seat in a rural constituency, with over 80% of it being handouts to voters.
Phrases like “hauko ground” (we cannot feel your financial presence) or “akitaka kiti aende ajipange kwanza” (if they want a political seat, let them find money first) reflect our expectations. If it were you under such pressure, spending over 50 million on handouts, wouldn’t you find ways to recover it? Wouldn’t you “return a hand” to those who lend you? You wouldn’t solely rely on a salary. Chances are you’d become a corrupt wheeler-dealer. Unless you’re a philanthropist.
Solution: To end corruption, we need to stop selling our votes. Let’s listen to all candidates, assess them based on their values and what they stand for and vote accordingly. If they don’t deliver their promises, we will have the moral authority to hold them accountable.
2. Too Low Pay
If you frequently visit places manned by watchmen, you’ve likely encountered requests for “chai” (a small bribe). Why would a grown person, probably with a family, guard a multimillion-shilling building for only Ksh. 10,000 a month? What do you expect them to do if they get a chance to earn “something more”? Chances are, they won’t think twice.
I’ve seen places where someone’s salary was Ksh. 4,000 a month, yet their office had a budget of Ksh. 1.2 million. What is that, surely?
Then there are professionals like police officers. Considering the demands of their job and how difficult it may be for them to even have side hustles, too low pay practically encourages them to take bribes.
Solution: Workers need to be paid reasonable amounts, considering all logical factors in the work they do. Fair pay will help them sustain their livelihoods without resorting to corrupt practices.
3. Inefficient Institutions
Another factor is that many services people give bribes for are actually doable if our institutions adopted faster and more efficient ways of doing things. For example, if it’s possible to get a passport within a day by giving a bribe, why shouldn’t there be an official provision for urgent requests, even if it requires extra pay? Similarly, if minor offenses can be settled with a small bribe, why not implement a system for instant fines? This way, the country can collect more money from offenders rather than overburdening struggling citizens with taxes.
Solution: We need to “legalize corruption” Our institutions need to adopt more efficient processes and provide official channels for expedited services and instant fines. This will reduce the need for bribes and ensure that funds go to the public treasury instead of private pockets.
4. Impunity
Impunity is another enabler of corruption. When people get away with corruption, it sends a message that it’s okay to be corrupt. That’s a failure of oversight and enforcement.
Solution: Oversight agencies need to function effectively and independently. As citizens, employers, and people in positions of authority, we must act to end corruption. If you benefit from corruption today, you will suffer from it tomorrow. It creates injustice for all.
Let’s strive for a future where integrity and justice prevail and create a better world for this and generations to come.
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