Poll: Majority of Kenyans have no faith in anti-graft commission

Infotrak’s CEO Angela Ambitho. PHOTO: FILE

NAIROBI: A majority of Kenyans do not have confidence in the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission’s (EACC) ability to fight graft.

Nearly a half of those interviewed - 47 per cent - say they are not sure about the commission’s ability to tame the vice.

Another 38 per cent said they have no confidence at all in the agency, which is led by chairman Philip Kinisu and who is currently fighting graft allegations over his alleged business involvement with National Youth Service (NYS).

Only 9.8 per cent of the 1,500 respondents sampled for the survey are very confident about EACC’s ability.

“Research shows 47 per cent of Kenyans have not made up their minds on the ability of EACC to fight corruption, while 38 per cent have no confidence at all in its ability,” says the survey released yesterday by a research company, Infotrak.

Nairobi is leading among regions with no confidence at all in EACC at 44.2 per cent, followed by Rift Valley at 43 per cent and Western at 38.8 per cent.

At least 48 per cent of Kenyans agree that ordinary citizens can make a difference in the fight against corruption, while 37 per think otherwise and have no faith in ordinary citizens.

SALIENT OPTION

Another 24.4 per cent feel that the fight against graft was beyond ordinary citizens since there is nothing they can do to fight corruption.

And 27 per cent of Kenyans think the best way to fight graft is by refusing to pay bribes.

Another 17.4 per cent think the best way to fight corruption is by reporting any corruption incident.

A salient option given by the 1,500 respondents in the fight against graft is ensuring that only non-corrupt leaders and parties are voted in in the next General Election.

“About 10.3 per cent think the best way to fight corruption is by voting for those leaders or political parties that promise to eradicate corruption if voted in,” says the survey.

Additionally, 7 per cent of Kenyans feel the fight requires concerted efforts by everybody.
This, the respondents say, should include all Kenyans.