KENYA: Corruption is the Most “Devastating Sickness” in Kenya, Bishops Decry
Kenyan Prelates Taking Questions at a Press Conference
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Catholic Bishops under the auspices of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), decry the act of dishonesty and fraudulence in the county that is making citizens suffer and not realize their dreams.
After the one-week plenary assembly at St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre in Nakuru, located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, prelates noted that the existing corruption in the country is not only an act by the government but by citizens as well.
“Corruption in our society, both within the systems of leadership and among Kenyans has been the most devastating sickness we continue to suffer from,” the bishops lamented in their statement signed on Friday, November 10, by the Chairman of KCCB Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of Mombasa Archdiocese adding, “Unfortunately, we don’t seem resolved enough to truly and comprehensively rid ourselves of this great monster.”
According to the bishops, to eradicate this menace, “a collective effort is necessary to combat corruption at its roots.”
“Collaborative endeavors between government institutions, civil society organizations, and concerned individuals are essential to creating a robust framework that discourages corrupt practices, enforces transparency, and ensures accountability in the management of public funds,” reads part of the Friday statement where the Catholic Bishops who have been advocating for transparency and accountability once more called upon all Kenyans to take a strong stance against corruption within their workplaces and communities.
Speaking about the effect of corruption in the country, members of KCCB disclosed the plight of unemployment especially among young people saying, “Most of our young people are facing the problem of unemployment. This is leading to a bigger number of idle and desperate young persons, who had placed great hopes in their education and professional preparation. If not addressed, the frustration will reach alarming proportions, with great social risk and dire consequences.”
“We decry the obvious corruption within the public sector, whereby cronyism, tribalism, and discrimination seem to dictate the chances of employment. The avenues of fair employment seem to be dwindling,” the Church leaders said in their collective statement and continued, “The vice of bribery and favors for employment has truly discouraged job seekers, especially the young people.”
The bishops therefore appealed for more transparent and fair processes of employment especially in public offices and said, “On our part, we undertake to re-activate the campaign against corruption, starting from the grassroots, highlighting the importance of fostering a culture of integrity, honesty, and accountability at every level of society.”
