A Study of Anti-corruption Communication Planning by State Anti-corruption Agencies in Kenya: a Case Study of the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission
Abstract
This study sought to examine anti-corruption communication strategy planning by anticorruption
agencies (ACAs) in Kenya in their initiatives, so as to determine their
effectiveness in effecting behaviour change. This was prompted by the fact that despite the
multiple efforts and initiatives by anti-corruption agencies to combat the vice, Kenya faces
the corruption challenge and listed as one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Evidence from relevant literature was evaluated on the significance of communication
strategy planning for social behaviour change and encompassed the practice on two
theoretical frameworks: communication persuasion and diffusion of innovations. Findings
were achieved by way of a case study focusing on the anti-corruption initiatives conducted by
the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission between the years 2003-2013. Data was
collected by document reviews: strategic plans, communication policies and plans, annual
reports, and other relevant literature on anti-corruption strategies which were accessed from
the anti-corruption agency website and resource centers. The data from the document review
was augmented by key informant interviews drawn from communication, governance and
anti-corruption agency managers. Thus, the study has identified the principles observed by
the ACAs prior to embarking on anti-corruption initiatives as well as challenges faced.
Specific recommendations have been generated to address the gaps in designing and effecting
anti-corruption communication strategies.