Corruption continues to be an important governance issues in Kenya. The coming to power of the NARC regime in 2003 gave Kenyans hope that corruption would cease to be a way of life in the country. However, with the advent of the Anglo-Leasing and Finance Ltd and other scandals in the last three years, Kenyans have come to the realisation that it will require more than a change of politicians to realise real change in the country. The link between corruption, power and politics has become clearer with the Anglo-Leasing saga. For Kenyans to realise more democratisation this connection has to be dealt with. It is therefore upon Kenyans to come up with ways of accomplishing this assignment.

Kenya’s democratisation movement has achieved some positive results so far. For instance, a lot of space for expression has been created through agitation; Kenya no longer has political detainees and though there is still some harassment of journalists, freedom of expression is largely respected. Elections have become more open and democratic and even more meaningful to voters. In 2002, for the first time, Kenyans were able to use the ballot to remove a dictator from power. This experience has, without doubt, empowered the masses to have more faith in elections.

CLARION has been at the forefront of anti-corruption work in the past several years. The interventions have employed research, public education and advocacy approaches with the goal of institutionalising an anti-corruption culture in the country. Over the years, CLARION has worked to inform the public through research beginning with the publication of the book: The Anatomy of Corruption in Kenya: Legal and Socio-Economic Perspectives in 1995. CLARION also provides leadership in anti-corruption agitation through the Name and Shame Corruption Networks [NASCON] Campaign whose vision is: A Genuine, People Determined Fight Against Corruption.

Objectives

The objective of this intervention is to institutionalise an anti-corruption culture in the country. The purpose is to empower Kenyans individually and collectively to demand accountability in use of public resources. Specifically, the intervention will realise the following objectives:

- Research and present researched information for public debate to enhance understanding of specific aspects of corruption;

- Facilitate community planning and advocacy against corruption;

- Enhance awareness of corruption among secondary school students; and

- Ensure effective implementation of CLARION’s Strategic Plan.

Expected Results

- Research on key aspects of corruption conducted;

- Community anti-corruption advocacy activities planned and facilitated;

- Awareness of secondary school students on anti-corruption enhanced;

- Effective and efficient implementation of CLARION’s Strategic Plan ensured.