The impact of corruption on governance: an appraisal of the practice of the rule of law in Kenya

Abstract

"Good governance entails accountability, transparency, enhanced public participation in decision making, strengthened public sector and civil society institutions and greater adherence to the rule of law. Corruption results in grave violations of socio-economic rights, condemns people to extreme levels of poverty and often leads to social unrest. Curbing corruption is therefore critical to the achievement of good governance and the rule of law in many countries such as Kenya. Although most legal systems in Africa prohibit corruption, the practice is significantly different, as is exhibited in this disseration. ... Chapter one introduces and sketches the questions that have prompted this study. Chapter two identifies the legal and institutional framework to curb corruption in Kenya. It also investigates the obligations of the state on anti-corruption in Kenya. The study attempts to outline and discuss the different actions that the government of Kenya has taken to contain corrupt practices in the public service and in society generally. Chapter three is an analysis of the impact of corruption on governance in Kenya. It discusses the extent [to] which corruption has permeated in the public service and its effect on public accountability and transparency. The study also assesses the effectiveness of the different anti-corruption measures set up to combat corruption in Kenya as compared to other African countries. Chapter four evaluates the effectiveness of the use of the rule of law to combat corruption in Kenya. It analyses the anti-corruption legal and institutional framework in comparison with other African countries to determine the factors that have lent effectiveness to anti-corruption efforts, as well as countermeasures that have hindered the ability of such efforts. Chapter five proffers the conclusion and recommendations." -- Introduction.