Effects of corruption on Kenya's national security

  

Date Posted: 12/19/2012 12:08:29 PM

Posted By: Macawear88  Membership Level: Silver  Total Points: 163

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Corruption is an endemic catatrophe in Kenya. Even after the enactment of several laws and the promulgation of the new Constitution, Kenya is yet to over come corruption. This stems from different reasons, impunity being one of them. As a result, Vision achieving and attaining vision 2030 is jeopardized. Corruption exists on different levels and have different impacts.

In Kenya, corruption poses a great threat to security of the nation. For instance, a while ago there were news that police had been bribed to avoid checking bags of some travellers from Garissa. It was later found that there were people carrying some materials that could be used to make explosives. This is an example of an instance where national security is jeopardized due to corruption.

Another instance is one which involves food security. If the government officers are corrupt and issue fertilizers on the basis of nepotism and bribery, there are farmers who will end up not getting it. As a result, there will never be enough food hence food stability and security dwindles greatly.

Insecurity also increases where incompetent persons are employed in the security sector. For instance, if unqualified people join the army through offering bribes then when we are attacked they cannot adequately quell off the attack. As a result, we end insecure as a country. Security needs employing qualified people. This should not be premised on payment of bribes or nepotism. It needs to be based on merit.

Corruption is also involved in promotion in the security forces. Promotion should be based on merit and not be based on giving bribes. Promotions that are based on corruption normally discourage performance. As a result vigilance reduces hence exposing the country attack. Demotivated security officers normally lose patriotism, an ingredient that is useful in ensuring that security is tight. Corruption is

an endemic that should be dealt with in each and every sector, security being included.

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