The survey by Infotrak Research and Consultancy that was commissioned by the Africa Centre for Open Governance and Kenyans for Peace with Truth and Justice shows 54.4 percent of respondents would pay a bribe/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 23 – Majority of Kenyans would readily give a bribe if confronted with a situation requiring them to do so, a new opinion poll shows.
The survey by Infotrak Research and Consultancy that was commissioned by the Africa Centre for Open Governance and Kenyans for Peace with Truth and Justice shows 54.4 percent of respondents would pay a bribe.
“Out of these, 45 percent would not report the incident or take any action while 9.4 percent would take action,” Infotrak Managing Director Angela Ambitho said when releasing the findings.
On the other hand, 39.2 percent Kenyans would refuse to give a bribe if confronted with a situation requiring them to give a bribe.
“Of these 17 percent would take no action after refusing to give the bribe while 22.2 percent claim they would report the incident.”
While most Kenyans are quick to absolve themselves from any corrupt practices, majority indicated that most of the people in their area/community give bribes.
“Some 67 percent of Kenyans indicated that people in their area/community often pay bribes to get public services while 63 percent indicated that people in their area/community pay bribes to avoid arrest, to avoid being charged in a court of law or get a favourable ruling in court.”
The survey conducted between May 31 and June 8, 2016 targeted 1,500 respondents in 25 counties.
The incidences across the regions were more or less similar with nearly 70pc indicating that those in their area give bribes to get public services.
The exception was in Central where 42pc stated that people in their area bribe often to receive public services.
The situation was similar in the case of those who know other people who have paid bribes to avoid arrest, avoid being charged in court and influence a favourable court ruling.
When the respondents were asked what is the most effective thing that an ordinary person can do to help combat corruption in this country, 27pc of Kenyans think the best way to combat corruption is to refuse to pay bribes while another 24.4pc feel that there is nothing ordinary citizens can do to fight corruption.
Another 17.4pc think the best way to fight corruption is by reporting corruption when you see or experience it while 10.3pc think the best way to fight corruption is by voting for those leaders or political parties that promise to eradicate corruption if voted in.
Further still 7pc of Kenyans feel that people should join or support organisations that fight corruption.
According to the focus group the actions that should be taken against those found corrupt include: Being fired, Banned from vying any public office, being jailed for life and having all their accounts frozen.
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