INTRODUCTION
Corruption is a subject that receives a lot of attention in most of the developing countries. It is a fast growing challenge that most of the African countries are struggling with. No one can doubt that corruption among government challenges is the fast serious one that mosly affect the government in all its systems. African countries are where this challenge is most rampant. It is one of the greatest evils facing our countries. A paper is briefly exploring the roles of corruption in specific areas of the government such as economy, political, education, security and also its role on an individual level
THE ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON ECONOMY
Corruption in Africa is extensive and affects the economic progress of the country. It slows the economic development of the most African countries. “The World bank feels that corruption drastically affects the import sector in the form of illegal purchases of import and export licenses” (Mwiti, 2003). When corruption is tolerated in the nation it slows down the industrialization process that can bring competition in he production of goods and services. The perpetuation of corruption in the country continues hurting the poor by forcing them to pay for essential services like health which should be free or denying them such services in the absence of bribes.
Still in the sector of economy, Corruption increases the prices of public services and also lowers the qualities of productions. “In Angola for instance in 2007 a round $600 revenue from oil had apparently disappeared from the state coffer without proper use. That led to an increase of prices of public goods and services in order to cover government’s expenses that the disappeared money was allocated for.”(Kibwana, 1996). It very said that corruption reduces states funds through its negative effects on income by opening up loopholes in tax collection. “In Kenya for instance it is said that it cost $1bn annually.” (Galy, 2008)
Corruption in African countries is associated with theft, embezzlement of public resources and fraud by public officials that reduce the availability of government funds for development Corruption can produce inefficiently and unfairness. In economic sector it favors those with connection with officials in the government when buying shares in government industries. Only those who already have a close trusting relationship with the government officials or politicians may enter into big projects and contracts. In most cases the construction of some projects may delay as the managers push the dates in future so that the money may brings forth the returns into their personal accounts. This slows the economic development of the countries and slows the input of potential people. “Such was the case where the Kenya National Aids Control Council (NACC) that was set up to coordinate the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS was discouraged when is was discovered that senior staff had paid themselves inflated salaries and allowances.” Mwiti, 2003).
The production of goods and services is inefficiency especially when unqualified people are employed just because of bribe. “The dramatic decline in Kenya’s foreign investment and the associated deterioration in the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors is largely associated with the rise in corruption”(Kibwana, 1996). This makes it difficult to create enabling and conducive trade environment for commerce in the country. Briefly I do not hesitate to say that corruption contributes negatives to economic development.
THE ROLOE OF CORRUPTION ON POLITICAL SYSTEM
Corruption is a serious enemy of democracy in all the countries that follows the democratic system of governance. In most cases it undermines the democracy as well as the good governance. “Political corruption involves the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain”(Hiaasen, 2009) Corruption suppresses the qualities of good governance like accountability and transparency. In some places especially during elections, parliamentary candidates bribes local people so that they may vote for them. For instance, Humphrey Mvula who was contesting on Member of parliament during 2004 general election in Malawi was arrested for allegedly found that he bribed one of the Electro commission officers with the amount of $4000 so that he might won the election.
“Corruption dominates political contest through the use of money and favor and this undermines democratic process and the rule of law”(Darraw, 2008) In some extent it brings violence and wars when people discovers that the winners bribed the electoral commission officials. Corruption slows down the political development by breaking the law that governs the state. When the top officials in the government are in he front line of corruption, the political stability in the country is so challenged. The ethics of transparency and accountability is distorted through the appointment of other through bribery. When local people have been given money in exchanging with the vote the choice of freedom is not observed and the exercise of human rights is suppressed. In this scenario there can be effective long-term planning and hence the construction of democracy is threatened.
THE ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
Regardless which form of corruption, an individual is the profound victim of the consequences of this act. For instance at work place, when one has been recruited through the act of corruption, it normally kills the morale of the faithful workers. Those who are the hard workers are demoralized hence reduces their input. When the weak, slow and incompetence people are promoted after corruption, the competence of other workers is weakened. “The intellectual and professionals are discouraged and demotivated from their total potentially”(Mwiti, 2003). This perpetuates poverty, unemployment, and ignorance in the country. On biblical point of view a person who is involved in any act of corruption is considered as a sinner. The bible fully expose the consequences of being a sinner as not only face them when one goes to hell but also ignored some privileges even here on earth. “Do not accept bribe, for bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and twits the words of righteous” (Deuteronomy 16:19).
The other role of corruption on an individual is that it provides a transition from being an employed to unemployed. Some companies’ officials who have been receiving bribe they normally find themselves sucked from the job once caught by the Ant-Corruption Authorities. Some people lost their position and ended up in prison because of corruption. “For instance in Migori district in Kenya a chief was arrested for allegedly trying to exort an sh8, 000 bribe from a man in land dispute. Mr. Amiga had bought a land and was seeking an official transfer letter from the chief.”(Kidombo, 2004).
For an individual who is holding the position in a democratic system of politics, he ceases to b e a representative of the people. “He becomes the enemy of his employer, the office, the government and even the tax payers. The official loses the negotiating role he had for the people and adopts a sell-out status”(Kidombo, 2004). In addition to this, bribed person becomes a stooge to his captor. “Right becomes wrong and wrong becomes right; up is down and down is up. He is now hypnotized and follows his captor at his will”(Anassi, 2007). Corruption on an individual (both an actor and recipient) it has more negative things than expected. When a person is corrupt he is also prone to some kinds of evils like, pride, envy, selfish fear and among others.
ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON SECURITY
In most developing countries, Corruption distorts the security system of the government. A lot of people today in these developing countries are denied access to security because they don’t have money or any valuable material for bribery. According to the 2005 Kenya Bribery Index the police are the most corrupt agency in the Kenyan government. “Corruption in the Police Force has denied many Kenyans the right to security and the upshot of this is that many Kenyans have not been able to realise their rights. Human Rights reported that there was a tendency by errant police officers to abuse the court process by laying false or overstated charges to cover up police malpractice and that was systematic and widespread”(Anassi, 2007). In most countries the police remains department that is most corrupt.
Some criminal have being give bail under corruption while others ignored because they don’t have money. Even within the security sectors, it has discovered that promotion is also associated with corruption. Sometimes it takes as long as 10 or 15 years to be promoted though they see glass ceiling. Instead, their juniors with political connections are regularly promoted. For instance “the recruitment of officers in the police force and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is alleged to have been on basis of tribalism, nepotism and favoritism without regard for the law” (Darraw, 2009). In terms of security the illiterate people in rural areas become the victim of corruption. “The survey released showed that the Kenyans especially in rural areas give large amount of bribes to the police and at least 33 other institutions for various reasons.”(Darraw, 2009). Those who bribe police do it to avoid arrest, buy freedom or seek other favors.
ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON EDUCATION
On education sector, Corruption is likely to concern all areas of planning and management, in the system. “Corruption has been manifested in areas like building of schools, recruitment, promotion (including systems of incentives) and appointment of teachers, the supply and distribution of equipment and textbooks, the allocation of specific allowances” Students have been charged some other services like admission forms that suppose to be give free. In some places female teachers have been recruited or posted on the influences of bribery or sexual favors. For instance “in Kitwe province in Zambia in 2002 a female primary teacher was appointed by the District Education officer as a headmistress of Namadano free primary school on the basis of sexual favor” (Mwiti, 2003). In most of the high schools Good grades and exam passes are obtained through bribes to teachers and public officials.
The prices are often well known, and candidates can be expected to pay upfront. Corruption is also seen in terms of using school properties. School properties are used for private commercial purposes without the knowledge of the government. “In Malawi for instance, in 2004 some Geography and History questions of the Malawi school certificate of education (M.S.C.E) examination were found printed in one of the Sunday Time Newspapers before the students wrote the exams”(Hiaasen, 2009). Cases have been reported concerning the buying and selling of examinations.
In some other schools teachers or administrators have been accused of embezzlement of funds raised by local NGOs and parents’ organizations for some other project. Corruption is also seen in “Ghost teachers - salaries drawn for staff who are no longer (or never were) employed for various reasons (including having passed away). This affects the student-teacher ratios, and prevents unemployed teachers from taking vacant positions” (Galy, 2008). In countries where education falls into the domain of local government units, during the transfer of resources for education from the central to the local government. Examples of corruption at this stage would include the use of resources for personal means other than those related to education, like the use of government cars for personal things. In relating money “Corruption is likely to occur in the procurement of non-wage related goods and services, like the maintenance or building of schools, the design, manufacture and distribution of textbooks, the procurement of equipment such as chairs and tables” (Galy, 2008)
The acceptance of bribes in exchange for grades or access to schooling, and the charging of fees for students' access to textbooks and the utilization of school property for private commercial purposes are some of the negative manifestations of corruption in the education system.
Corruption is a subject that receives a lot of attention in most of the developing countries. It is a fast growing challenge that most of the African countries are struggling with. No one can doubt that corruption among government challenges is the fast serious one that mosly affect the government in all its systems. African countries are where this challenge is most rampant. It is one of the greatest evils facing our countries. A paper is briefly exploring the roles of corruption in specific areas of the government such as economy, political, education, security and also its role on an individual level
THE ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON ECONOMY
Corruption in Africa is extensive and affects the economic progress of the country. It slows the economic development of the most African countries. “The World bank feels that corruption drastically affects the import sector in the form of illegal purchases of import and export licenses” (Mwiti, 2003). When corruption is tolerated in the nation it slows down the industrialization process that can bring competition in he production of goods and services. The perpetuation of corruption in the country continues hurting the poor by forcing them to pay for essential services like health which should be free or denying them such services in the absence of bribes.
Still in the sector of economy, Corruption increases the prices of public services and also lowers the qualities of productions. “In Angola for instance in 2007 a round $600 revenue from oil had apparently disappeared from the state coffer without proper use. That led to an increase of prices of public goods and services in order to cover government’s expenses that the disappeared money was allocated for.”(Kibwana, 1996). It very said that corruption reduces states funds through its negative effects on income by opening up loopholes in tax collection. “In Kenya for instance it is said that it cost $1bn annually.” (Galy, 2008)
Corruption in African countries is associated with theft, embezzlement of public resources and fraud by public officials that reduce the availability of government funds for development Corruption can produce inefficiently and unfairness. In economic sector it favors those with connection with officials in the government when buying shares in government industries. Only those who already have a close trusting relationship with the government officials or politicians may enter into big projects and contracts. In most cases the construction of some projects may delay as the managers push the dates in future so that the money may brings forth the returns into their personal accounts. This slows the economic development of the countries and slows the input of potential people. “Such was the case where the Kenya National Aids Control Council (NACC) that was set up to coordinate the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS was discouraged when is was discovered that senior staff had paid themselves inflated salaries and allowances.” Mwiti, 2003).
The production of goods and services is inefficiency especially when unqualified people are employed just because of bribe. “The dramatic decline in Kenya’s foreign investment and the associated deterioration in the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors is largely associated with the rise in corruption”(Kibwana, 1996). This makes it difficult to create enabling and conducive trade environment for commerce in the country. Briefly I do not hesitate to say that corruption contributes negatives to economic development.
THE ROLOE OF CORRUPTION ON POLITICAL SYSTEM
Corruption is a serious enemy of democracy in all the countries that follows the democratic system of governance. In most cases it undermines the democracy as well as the good governance. “Political corruption involves the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain”(Hiaasen, 2009) Corruption suppresses the qualities of good governance like accountability and transparency. In some places especially during elections, parliamentary candidates bribes local people so that they may vote for them. For instance, Humphrey Mvula who was contesting on Member of parliament during 2004 general election in Malawi was arrested for allegedly found that he bribed one of the Electro commission officers with the amount of $4000 so that he might won the election.
“Corruption dominates political contest through the use of money and favor and this undermines democratic process and the rule of law”(Darraw, 2008) In some extent it brings violence and wars when people discovers that the winners bribed the electoral commission officials. Corruption slows down the political development by breaking the law that governs the state. When the top officials in the government are in he front line of corruption, the political stability in the country is so challenged. The ethics of transparency and accountability is distorted through the appointment of other through bribery. When local people have been given money in exchanging with the vote the choice of freedom is not observed and the exercise of human rights is suppressed. In this scenario there can be effective long-term planning and hence the construction of democracy is threatened.
THE ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
Regardless which form of corruption, an individual is the profound victim of the consequences of this act. For instance at work place, when one has been recruited through the act of corruption, it normally kills the morale of the faithful workers. Those who are the hard workers are demoralized hence reduces their input. When the weak, slow and incompetence people are promoted after corruption, the competence of other workers is weakened. “The intellectual and professionals are discouraged and demotivated from their total potentially”(Mwiti, 2003). This perpetuates poverty, unemployment, and ignorance in the country. On biblical point of view a person who is involved in any act of corruption is considered as a sinner. The bible fully expose the consequences of being a sinner as not only face them when one goes to hell but also ignored some privileges even here on earth. “Do not accept bribe, for bribe blinds the eyes of the wise, and twits the words of righteous” (Deuteronomy 16:19).
The other role of corruption on an individual is that it provides a transition from being an employed to unemployed. Some companies’ officials who have been receiving bribe they normally find themselves sucked from the job once caught by the Ant-Corruption Authorities. Some people lost their position and ended up in prison because of corruption. “For instance in Migori district in Kenya a chief was arrested for allegedly trying to exort an sh8, 000 bribe from a man in land dispute. Mr. Amiga had bought a land and was seeking an official transfer letter from the chief.”(Kidombo, 2004).
For an individual who is holding the position in a democratic system of politics, he ceases to b e a representative of the people. “He becomes the enemy of his employer, the office, the government and even the tax payers. The official loses the negotiating role he had for the people and adopts a sell-out status”(Kidombo, 2004). In addition to this, bribed person becomes a stooge to his captor. “Right becomes wrong and wrong becomes right; up is down and down is up. He is now hypnotized and follows his captor at his will”(Anassi, 2007). Corruption on an individual (both an actor and recipient) it has more negative things than expected. When a person is corrupt he is also prone to some kinds of evils like, pride, envy, selfish fear and among others.
ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON SECURITY
In most developing countries, Corruption distorts the security system of the government. A lot of people today in these developing countries are denied access to security because they don’t have money or any valuable material for bribery. According to the 2005 Kenya Bribery Index the police are the most corrupt agency in the Kenyan government. “Corruption in the Police Force has denied many Kenyans the right to security and the upshot of this is that many Kenyans have not been able to realise their rights. Human Rights reported that there was a tendency by errant police officers to abuse the court process by laying false or overstated charges to cover up police malpractice and that was systematic and widespread”(Anassi, 2007). In most countries the police remains department that is most corrupt.
Some criminal have being give bail under corruption while others ignored because they don’t have money. Even within the security sectors, it has discovered that promotion is also associated with corruption. Sometimes it takes as long as 10 or 15 years to be promoted though they see glass ceiling. Instead, their juniors with political connections are regularly promoted. For instance “the recruitment of officers in the police force and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is alleged to have been on basis of tribalism, nepotism and favoritism without regard for the law” (Darraw, 2009). In terms of security the illiterate people in rural areas become the victim of corruption. “The survey released showed that the Kenyans especially in rural areas give large amount of bribes to the police and at least 33 other institutions for various reasons.”(Darraw, 2009). Those who bribe police do it to avoid arrest, buy freedom or seek other favors.
ROLE OF CORRUPTION ON EDUCATION
On education sector, Corruption is likely to concern all areas of planning and management, in the system. “Corruption has been manifested in areas like building of schools, recruitment, promotion (including systems of incentives) and appointment of teachers, the supply and distribution of equipment and textbooks, the allocation of specific allowances” Students have been charged some other services like admission forms that suppose to be give free. In some places female teachers have been recruited or posted on the influences of bribery or sexual favors. For instance “in Kitwe province in Zambia in 2002 a female primary teacher was appointed by the District Education officer as a headmistress of Namadano free primary school on the basis of sexual favor” (Mwiti, 2003). In most of the high schools Good grades and exam passes are obtained through bribes to teachers and public officials.
The prices are often well known, and candidates can be expected to pay upfront. Corruption is also seen in terms of using school properties. School properties are used for private commercial purposes without the knowledge of the government. “In Malawi for instance, in 2004 some Geography and History questions of the Malawi school certificate of education (M.S.C.E) examination were found printed in one of the Sunday Time Newspapers before the students wrote the exams”(Hiaasen, 2009). Cases have been reported concerning the buying and selling of examinations.
In some other schools teachers or administrators have been accused of embezzlement of funds raised by local NGOs and parents’ organizations for some other project. Corruption is also seen in “Ghost teachers - salaries drawn for staff who are no longer (or never were) employed for various reasons (including having passed away). This affects the student-teacher ratios, and prevents unemployed teachers from taking vacant positions” (Galy, 2008). In countries where education falls into the domain of local government units, during the transfer of resources for education from the central to the local government. Examples of corruption at this stage would include the use of resources for personal means other than those related to education, like the use of government cars for personal things. In relating money “Corruption is likely to occur in the procurement of non-wage related goods and services, like the maintenance or building of schools, the design, manufacture and distribution of textbooks, the procurement of equipment such as chairs and tables” (Galy, 2008)
The acceptance of bribes in exchange for grades or access to schooling, and the charging of fees for students' access to textbooks and the utilization of school property for private commercial purposes are some of the negative manifestations of corruption in the education system.
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