Kenya has been ranked 121st out of 180 countries in the latest global corruption index, painting a grim picture of persistent graft despite marginal progress.

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released by Transparency International, awarded Kenya a score of 32 out of 100, reflecting a slight improvement from 31 points in the previous year.

However, this remains below the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 33 and significantly lower than the global average of 43.

Transparency International Kenya’s Executive Director, Sheila Masinde, stated that the slight improvement was insufficient to address the country’s corruption challenges. 

“A one-point improvement is not enough. Kenya continues to struggle with deep-rooted corruption that undermines service delivery and economic growth,” Masinde, stated.

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Rwanda emerged as the best-performing country in East Africa with 57 points, up from 53 in 2023, while Tanzania improved slightly from 40 to 41 points.

Uganda maintained a score of 26, whereas Burundi recorded a drop from 20 to 17 points.

Across the Sub-Saharan region, Seychelles led with 72 points, followed by Cabo Verde (62), Botswana (57), and Mauritius (51).

Globally, Denmark, Finland, and Singapore took the top positions with scores of 90, 88, and 84, respectively.

Meanwhile, South Sudan (8), Somalia (9), and Venezuela (10) were ranked as the most corrupt nations.

The report warned that corruption remains rampant worldwide, fuelled by declining democracy, human rights violations, and environmental mismanagement.

“Kenyans must remain relentless in demanding accountability because corruption thrives where scrutiny is weak. By consistently questioning those in power, exposing wrongdoing, and refusing to stay silent, we can push back against impunity, protect human rights, and build a transparent, just society,” Masinde said.

It further highlighted that corruption is increasingly complex and has severe global repercussions, particularly in the fight against climate change.

The diversion of critical resources and the weakening of environmental governance, the report noted, continue to obstruct urgent efforts to tackle the crisis.