Nairobi, Kenya – The land of opportunity, a country with immense potential for growth and development. However, recent reports from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative have shed light on a major issue that is hindering the progress of American businesses in Kenya – corruption.
The 2024 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers has revealed that American firms are losing out on business and contracts in Kenya due to the demand for bribes by top government officials. This unethical practice has created a barrier for American businesses to secure government contracts, which are crucial for the development of the East African nation.
The report further states that these contracts are being awarded to foreign firms who are willing to pay the bribes, leaving American businesses at a disadvantage. This level of corruption not only affects the growth of American businesses in Kenya, but also has a negative impact on the country’s future investment prospects. It is a warning sign that cannot be ignored.
Cleophas Malala, the secretary general of Kenya’s ruling party, has acknowledged the issue and assured that the government is taking necessary steps to address it. He stated that President William Ruto is committed to fighting corruption and has taken swift action in the past, as seen in the case of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) scandal last year.
“We know it’s a challenge for us, but the president is determined to tackle corruption. He has been resolute in ensuring that any public officer involved in corrupt activities is held accountable and faces the rule of law,” Malala said. “As a political party, we have made it clear that we will not defend anyone involved in corruption.”
According to a survey by Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the interior, health, and transport ministries are the most corrupt in the country. The survey also revealed that the average bribe amount has doubled in 2023, indicating a worsening situation.
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi believes that American businesses are being asked to follow what has become a standard procedure in Kenya. He stated that corruption has become a way of life in the country, and it is not a choice but a necessity for many Kenyans. Mwangi also pointed out that the Chinese have been successful in doing business in Kenya because they are willing to pay bribes, which has become a norm in the country.
However, this should not be the case. Corruption is a major hindrance to the growth and development of any country. It creates an unfair playing field for businesses and discourages foreign investment. It is time for Kenya to break free from this vicious cycle and create a transparent and corruption-free environment for businesses to thrive.
Last year, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission highlighted the lack of transparency, accountability, and public participation in government projects as a breeding ground for corruption. This aligns with the U.S. trade office report, which also stated that American firms have complained about the complexity and inefficiency in the procurement process for contracts.
Malala has assured that the government is working towards changing some of the procurement laws to combat corruption and promote fair competition among investors. “We want to ensure that all our investors receive justice when it comes to the procurement system,” he said.
Kenya’s ranking on the Transparency International corruption index for 2023 was disappointing, placing 126th out of 180 countries measured for perception and prevalence of corruption. This is a wake-up call for the government to take immediate action and address this issue before it further damages the country’s reputation and economy.
In conclusion, it is evident that corruption is a major obstacle to the growth and development of Kenya. It not only affects the country’s economy but also tarnishes its image in the international community. The government must take strong and decisive action to eradicate corruption and create a fair and transparent business environment for all investors. It is time for Kenya to rise above corruption and unlock its true potential as a land of opportunity.
