Pilate sits on his desk tomorrow facing a choice: spare Jesus or crucify him while freeing economic saboteurs who plunder state resources. Like in Peru where the ex-president Toledo was jailed for accepting bribes in exchange for government contracts earlier this week, Kenyan authorities too must take bold steps to tighten the noose on similar offenders and economic criminals to enhance accountability and economic development.
Kenya has been marred by scandals that have drained the country’s resources and eroded trust in government. From the Goldenberg scandal which in the 1990’s which cost the taxpayer billions of shillings to the recent KES 550.0 million procurement scandal at Kenya Pipeline Company, economic crimes have become the hallmark of our leadership. According to Transparency International, Kenya was ranked at position 121 out of 181 countries, scoring 32 out of possible 100 in 2024 in corruption perception index signaling widespread corruption in the country, that drains our resources, exacerbates inequalities and stifles investment proving to be detrimental to our economic health.
One major cost of corruption is misallocation of funds, as EACC estimates KES 608.0 billion losses to corruption which translates to 5.0% of our GDP according to the anticorruption watchdog. These funds often stolen from projects like infrastructure, healthcare and education could be utilized to promote economic development.
Corruption also deters Foreign direct investments (FDIs), as investors tend to shy away from environments where bribes are common as they increase transaction costs and destroy brand images. This is supported by reports from KIPPRA that postulates a negative relationship between corruption and FDIs. This leads to lots of missed opportunities as reduced FDIs limit job creation, slowing economic growth.
Furthermore, corruption fuels inequalities and poverty, with a poverty of 39.8% in 2022 as per Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, when funds meant for social programs like Inua Jamii are diverted, vulnerable populations are left without essential services furthering the already existing divide.
Fiscal burden is another concern, corruption creates inefficiencies that inflate public debt. With Kenya’s public debt standing at KES 11.2 trillion translating to Public debt to GDP ratio of 74.0 % in April as per CBK, with a significant portion attributed to loans which were mismanaged or financed projects with questionable returns leaving Kenyans bearing the burden of repayment by paying higher taxes and facing high costs of living.
With the heavy tolls on our economic health, Kenya must now slay the demon called corruption and forge a new path with her people, one rooted in transparency, equity and accountability – Pontius too must not bow to the mob crucifying blameless Jesus while the Barabbas symbolized in our corrupt leaders walk scot free
