Kenya has been ranked number 144 out of 180 with a score of 27 points, which is higher than 2017, whereby it was ranked 145 out of 180 with 28 points.
In the latest ranking system released by Transparency International, the scale ranges from 0 to 100 with 0 as the highly corrupt and 100 points as the least corrupt.
Top of the list is Denmark and New Zealand with scores of 88 and 87 per cent respectively. The worst performing countries are Somalia, South Sudan and Syria with 10,13 and 13 points respectively.
According to Delia Ferreira Rubio, Chair of Transparency International, the healthier the democracy in a country, the better it will perform in ranking.
“Our research makes a clear link between having a healthy democracy and successfully fighting public sector corruption” noted Delia.
The report has pinpointed steps governments should take to perform better including;
1. Strengthening the institutions responsible for maintaining checks and balances over political power, and ensuring their ability to operate independently.
2. Closing the gap between anti-corruption legislation, practice and enforcement.
3. Supporting civil society organizations which enhance political engagement and public oversight over government spending, particularly at the local level.
4. Supporting a free and independent media and ensuring the safety of journalists and their ability to work without intimidation or harassment.
Kenya’s performance in the future is dependent on how fast President Uhuru Kenyatta implements his changes in key sectors in the country as he spoke during the recent National Anti-Corruption Conference, on January 25, 2019.
