I interacted with a Matatu driver sometimes back.
The focus of our discussion was bribery in the Matatu Sector. As it is the norm, the Matatu sector is ran on bribery. You have to bribe the traffic policemen whether you are on the right or wrong. The culture has become the standard for public transport. Actually, the driver was of the view that bribery makes his job easier.
However, this culture is not particular to the Matatu sector only, it is a vice that has permeated almost all the sectors of the economy. Some businesses actually survive on bribery, tax evasion and other illegalities.
Almost every Kenyan citizen has paid a bribe, either directly or indirectly. With the new developments in our country, it is an opportunity for self-reflection. Would you love to see a corruption free country? Perhaps a majority would say yes, but are you willing to point fingers at your own unbecoming behavior?
How would a corruption free Kenya look like? Let’s consider a few facts
- Your NHIF card would work.
- Competent companies and individuals would emerge the winners in tendering and bidding. That translates to a more efficient economy.
- You wouldn’t need to bribe a police officer for you to operate a matatu business. However, you would need to go an extra cost of ensuring that you comply with all traffic laws and be ready to appear in the courts of law in case you break any law. Additionally, you would have to keep proper records and pay due taxes.
- Less risk of collapsed rental houses. Builders would need to spend more to ensure the correct building standards are met.
- It is common knowledge that illegal businesses don’t pay tax, for instance, manufacturers of the poisonous liquor are not only killing a generation but they also evade taxes with impunity. The collapse of such an industry would deny corrupt government officials an illegal income, however, it would create jobs and tax revenues in the legit sectors.
- A corruption free country would see a sizeable part of the civil leave the public service. How can someone who was receiving KES 10m in bribes in a month survive on a salary of KES 300k?
- A corruption free country would see massive foreign direct investments in all sectors of the economy. Investments means jobs.
The list is endless.
It is therefore clear that ending corruption not only comes with benefits but also obligations. However, the benefits outweigh the inconveniences.
The best gift we can bequeath to our nation is not properties but ‘’end of corruption’’
