What Kenya must do if it wants to become 'Singapore of Africa'

An aerial view of Nairobi City. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Corruption has been a major concern in Kenya, hindering economic growth, eroding public trust, and impeding progress. It is imperative to shed light on the detrimental effects of corruption on our nation's development. Recently, there has been plenty of talk on Kenya becoming the ‘Singapore of Africa’.

Singapore has long been committed to combating corruption and maintaining a clean and transparent governance system. Although Singapore is significantly smaller than Kenya, there are valuable lessons our country glean from its remarkable strides in combating corruption.

To begin with, corruption, characterised by dishonest practices and misuse of power for personal gain, undermines the foundations of a thriving economy. Over and above strong legal frameworks, zero-tolerance to corruption creates a stable and transparent environment that supports investment, innovation and economic development. Kenya has made great progress in formulating legislature that provides a framework for the prevention, investigation, and punishment of corruption.

We must now move to criminalise corruption by enforcing stringent penalties for offenders. An independent judiciary and an efficient legal system are vital to ensure swift and impartial justice.

Additionally, implementing technology-driven solutions such as e-governance platforms, will minimise human interaction and reduce opportunities for corruption. Our government has taken great strides in digitising processes through the E-Citizen portal. Singapore’s strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws has ensured efficient allocation of resources and a favourable investment climate.  

Secondly, corruption adds to the cost of doing business, leading to inefficient allocation of resources and financial losses. Bribery and unethical conduct create barriers to entrepreneurship while stifling business and economic growth.

According to The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, Singapore has been ranked as one of the top countries with the most business-friendly regulations. Addressing corruption will not only ensure that public funds are utilised for their intended purposes but also provide a level playing field for businesses and entrepreneurs.

In addition, corruption erodes public trust and faith in institutions. Singapore consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries globally, fostering a sense of trust among its citizens and investors. Conversely, Kenya's corruption perception index is much higher, eroding public confidence and leading to disillusionment. This trust deficit hampers social cohesion and economic stability, hindering Kenya’s progress.

Combating corruption will require a culture shift that promotes integrity. Individuals must make personal resolve to shun corruption in all their dealings. The inclusion of ethical leadership and anti-corruption subjects in the school curricula will empower children with the needed values to counter corruption. The public and private sectors must also collaborate to foster a values-driven society. Everyone has a role to play in creating a culture that shuns corruption. We must all play our part by keeping each other accountable.

Singapore's impressive infrastructure is a testament to effective governance and the absence of systemic corruption. The country boasts world-class airports, efficient public transportation systems, and well-maintained roads. Conversely, Kenya struggles with dilapidated infrastructure, where corruption often diverts funds meant for development projects. The resultant cost overruns and delayed projects burden the economy and hinder progress.

Lastly, Singapore's exemplary focus on education, healthcare, and social welfare programs has yielded remarkable results. The country's literacy rate stands at nearly 97 per cent, compared to Kenya's 80 per cent. The difference in these figures highlights how corruption impedes the provision of quality public services, resulting in disparities in education and healthcare access.

To pave the way for a corruption-free future, Kenya must draw lessons from Singapore and adopt comprehensive anti-corruption measures. The cost of corruption in Kenya is a burden we can no longer afford.

By examining the disparities between Kenya and Singapore, we can draw valuable lessons and strategies to combat corruption. Strong political will, stringent legislation, transparent governance, and a collective commitment to integrity are the stepping stones towards a corruption-free Kenya.

-Dr Kipngetich is an advisory board member, The Blue Company Project