We need to learn from our past how to deal effectively with endemic corruption

What you need to know:

  • It is estimated that the government loses up to 30 per cent of its revenue to corruption.

  • When it comes to dealing with those implicated in corruption, we have shown a lot of hesitation and leniency.

  • Our concerns and proposed remedies have been highlighted in the proposed Anti-Bribery Bill that was recently announced by the president.

If a country is to fight corruption then it has to introspectively investigate its historical attitude towards the corrupt. With a strong Constitution such as the one we have and fine laws, how have we used them to combat corruption?

What tangible evidence is there that citizens can point to the actualisation of the laws and regulations that prohibit bribery as a “normal” way of doing business in this country? How have we reprimanded those who have lost this country billions of shillings in shady deals? Have the consequences been harsh enough to deter others from trying to profit from corrupt practices?

OUR LIVES MIRED IN CORRUPT DEALS

Corruption in this country seems entrenched in every facet of our lives. It is historical and appallingly present despite a progressive justice system and constitution.

It is estimated that the government loses up to 30 per cent of its revenue to corruption.

When it comes to dealing with those implicated in corruption, we have shown a lot of hesitation and leniency.

We have softened our stance and turned a blind eye to cases of outright graft.

We have also continually used tactics that are not strong enough to uphold justice.

These are, unfortunately, the same tactics that appear to be a default manual on how to act, be, and succeed in our society.

Over time we find ourselves replicating social and political traditions that are entrenched in corrupt practices.

We endemically chip away at the moral fabric of our society and become blind to our own complacency. Even worse, we normalise corruption as a means to an end.

This then becomes an excuse to carry on with corrupt practices such as bribery.

HALF-HEARTED EFFORTS TO BRIDGE INEQUALITY GAP

Currently, we see efforts to bridge the inequality gap through humanitarian and financial inclusion projects that can work if the principles of honesty and transparency are adhered to. However, the main benefactors of corruption will keep on perpetuating unethical means of transacting business at the cost of our country’s competitiveness and economic prosperity. 

As an integral part of Kenya’s business community, we are aware of the problems that poverty brings and together with other players endeavour to combat it as an end goal to proposed business solutions for the region.

Our concerns and proposed remedies have been highlighted in the proposed Anti-Bribery Bill that was recently announced by the president.

However, this Bill might end up just adding to the pile of well-written and researched documents in our judicial system if we do not have the will to implement it and punish those who continue to act contrary to our country’s interests.

Good governance does not come easy and we must be willing to go through the uncomfortable phases as we aim for transparency.

This means paying close attention to how our resources are being utilised and being vigilant of any threats to our country’s future financial security.

Government officers and representatives need to account for how they spend our taxes.

WHY WE SHOULD ADHERE TO ETHICS

Businesses too need to promote transparency in their transactions, tenders, and contracts to show professionalism and honesty, qualities that government agencies can emulate. Organisations and entrepreneurs should lead the change in culture by adhering to a business code of ethics consistent with the UN Global Compact and encouraging other businesses to do the same.

We need to commit to auditing our own corporate behaviour against these codes by, for example, being at the front line of tackling bribery in the supply chain.

There are many ways in which we can achieve this but it all starts with our willingness to take a tough stance on all the culprits of corruption.

Being competitive comes as a result of great strategies pegged on our ability to have foresight.

Foresight enables us to see that the future is bleak if we do not take action now.

We have long thought of corruption as only bad when it works against us, but good if we benefit from it.

This is why we now find ourselves in a dire moral and economic position.

Indeed, we need to constantly revisit our laws to plug any loopholes paving the way for corruption.

Even more important, we need to be aware of the impact of their implementation on our economy.

The writer is the CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. [email protected]