Kenya is losing 30% of its budget on corruption alone, amounting to almost one trillion shillings yearly. This was revealed in a multi-sectoral forum that brought together representation from different sectors in the country. The multi-sectoral forum is an anti-corruption platform for engagement based on partnership to spur national development and realization of the Vision 2030.
Speaking at the forum that was held in Nairobi, Patrick Obath who chaired the forum and representing Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) was alarmed by the rate at which graft cases are being reported and the adverse impacts the vice has caused to the nation.
“It’s high time we identified corruption for what it is, corruption is theft. Theft of opportunities, finances, time and as a result, anyone who engages in corruption is a thief and should face the full consequences of the law,” said Obath.
According to a recent report by EACC, graft has cut across all sections in the nation including religious groups and other sectors. Obath said graft has become part of the normal activities in the country.
He said values outlined in Article 10 of Kenya’s Constitution are being eroded over time leading to the rise of social evils in the country. “There is an urgent need to entrench these values across the entire society and promote good governance that will lead to prevention of corruption,” he said.
The forum drew its representation from the private sector, religious community, media professionals, youth, women, trade unions, civil society, academia, development partners and the government.