The contribution of Women Leaders in the fight against corruption in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

This was an exploratory study on the contribution of women leaders in the fight against corruption in Kenya. Specifically, the study examined the roles played and the challenges faced by women leaders in fighting corruption. This study was premised on Swamy et. al’s (2001) fairer sex theory which posits that women demonstrate a higher standard of ethical behavior and if faced with a corruption situation, they are less likely to engage in a corrupt behavior unlike the men and thus they can help in reduction of corruption incidences in Kenya. This study employed qualitative data collection methods which included Key Informant Interviews, In-depth Interviews and Focused Group discussions. Data was collected from twenty seven (27) women leaders in Nairobi City County who were drawn from public, private and non-governmental organizations as well as from citizens who formed the focused group discussions in Lang’ata and Kamukunji sub-counties. The collected data was transcribed and sorted out thematically and analysed in line with the specific objectives. Themes were further illustrated using excerpts from the different informants. Study findings indicate that the perception that women are less corrupt than men remains debatable since opinions on the same were divided. While some of the study participants expressed that being a man or a woman has no relation to one’s likelihood to engage in corruption rather, it’s about ones resolve to always do what is right others opined that women are more trustworthy and mostly exercise honesty thus they are less likely to engage in corruption. Women leaders have had great contribution in the fight against corruption. They have influenced various policies, legislation and anti-corruption strategies in Kenya. Kenya’s first Bribery Act 2016 was largely championed by women leaders from the private sector and this has changed how business is transacted between public and private entities. Women-led organizations and projects were also reported to be more accountable and transparent in their undertakings. Further, women leaders in the civil society have played a watchdog role by agitating for transparency and accountability from the government. Civic education to the public on corruption issues has been successful with great input from the women leaders in the sector. Women were also pointed out to have negatively contributed to the fight against corruption and thus not viewed as being less corrupt. Women leaders were accused of engaging in corruption for example by soliciting for bribes to fast track delivery of services. They do not support fellow women leaders who are involved in fighting corruption. Women do not vote in fellow women during elections to take up leadership positions through which they can influence governance and policy decisions. They also rarely report corruption considering that they are most affected by it. Women leaders are equally faced with myriad of challenges in their attempt to fight corruption. These include, their sexuality often being attacked when they speak up against corruption, inadequate leadership opportunities for women to engage both in the public and private spheres, cultural biases which tend to discriminate against women, social roles of women in society which have been used against them, lack of political will to fight corruption by the leadership in the country, inadequate legislation addressing corruption, lack of knowledge on corruption issues by women and the public in general, fear of fighting corruption since corruption fights back and the changing and secretive nature of corruption poses a challenge in detecting its’ occurrence and taking action. As much as women have the space in public and private sector to engage and significantly contribute to the fight against corruption, further deliberate actions need to be undertaken to open up more spaces for women leaders in all sectors. There is need for empowerment of women leaders with relevant knowledge and skill to successfully address corruption in their spheres of influence. The study therefore, concludes that women are and can be stronger advocates against corruption. Towards this end, there is need for accountable systems both in public and private sectors that will both empower women and involve them in the established structures to fight corruption effectively. Considering their achievements so far, it would be beneficial also to include women at all levels of governance and enterprise.