KRNYA: New research reveals that most Kenyans are concerned that “ devolution of corruption” may curtail crucial services in county governments.
Jesuit Hakimani Centre director Elias Mokua. PHOTO: WILBERFORCE OKWIRI/ STANDARD
The study, conducted by a Catholic-affiliated institution, indicated that a large number of Kenyans polled believe that county governments will not cut corruption, but only turn into a new channel for lining the pockets of individuals.
Consequently, an overwhelming majority of citizens are demanding high-level accountability from governors and county governments to eliminate cases of corruption.
“The study shows that Kenyans see corruption in the counties as one of the top three inhibitors to county development, including erroneous prioritisation of resources by governors and social fragmentation,” said Dr Elias Mokua, Principal Researcher and Director ofThe Jesuit Hakimani Centre in Nairobi.
He added: This means that if citizens don’t keep a close eye on their county governments, corruption, poverty, insecurity and other social ills will continue to plague the nation.”
One respondent said bluntly: “The county governmentsare just a new avenue to steal from the public without attracting much attention. The politicians are still the same.”
Asked how county governors should be made accountable and transparent to county residents to reduce corruption, the respondents said external auditing should be strengthened as well as enforcing strict adherence to budgets
Others said governors need to make present regular reports to their people about their development plans and achievements.
Independent auditors
“There is the desire for independent auditors to provide credible information on projects and appointments of county governments. The majority of Kenyans want information to be shared and easily accessed to enable them hold their governors accountable,” said the research study.
The study also revealed that Kenyans were frustrated about lack of genuine participation of county residents in the affairs of county governments, including making and implementing budgets as well as monitoring projects.
Majority of Kenyans (63.9 per cent) think that county governments dominated by one party will not be significantly accountable and transparent, thereby increasing possibilities of corruption.
By ALLY JAMAH, The Standard
