Kenya's President Ruto Condemns Corruption in Lawmaking Process
President William Ruto criticized the use of unorthodox means by powerful individuals in the private sector to influence laws and policies in Kenya. He stated that these individuals bribe Members of Parliament and its leadership to have favorable laws passed, often altering agreements between the government and the business community. The President emphasized the need for the private sector to engage with the government through formal channels to avoid distorted policies that serve individual companies.
Key Takeaways:
- President Ruto warned that bribery of MPs and its leadership by private sector individuals is a reality in the lawmaking process in Kenya.
- The President hinted at a trend where amendments are sneaked into bills at the committee stage, altering agreements between the government and the business community.
- Kenya Private Sector Alliance (Kepsa) members have been accused of bribing committees of parliament to influence legislation.
- About 200 firms, including KCB and Safaricom, signed an industry-led code of ethics in 2020, committing to not do business with tainted entities and individuals.
- The business community has proposed setting up a reporting mechanism for companies and individuals convicted of corruption to blacklisting culprits.
- President Ruto will meet with MPs to discuss growing corruption in the lawmaking process.
- Business lobby groups are being called upon to rein in rogue members and engage with the government through formal channels.
Statistics:
- 200 firms, including KCB and Safaricom, signed an industry-led code of ethics in 2020.
- The private sector in Kenya has proposed setting up a reporting mechanism for companies and individuals convicted of corruption.
- President Ruto will meet with MPs to discuss growing corruption in the lawmaking process.
Sources:
- The Star, "Ruto blasts corrupt businessmen over bribery allegations"
- Daily Nation, "Ruto slams business leaders over corruption allegations"