Nairobi: Kenya and South Africa have pledged to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the fight against corruption, with leaders from both countries calling for stronger institutions, accountability, and ethical governance during a Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF) meeting in Nairobi.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson David Oginde described corruption as a ‘slow-acting destroyer’ that gradually weakens institutions and economies. Speaking on Thursday during the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum 58th National Coordinating Committee (NCC) meeting held in Nairobi, Dr. Oginde said corruption acts like a painless disease and by the time its effects are discovered, institutions are already weakened and the damage is severe.
Dr. Oginde warned that corruption erodes public trust, increases the cost of services and commodities, and can ultimately trigger conflict, economic collapse, and state failure if left unchecked. He cited examples of countries affected by prolonged corruption and governance failures, including Somalia and Haiti, saying weak institutions and misuse of public resources had contributed to instability and humanitarian crises. Dr. Oginde also pointed to Singapore’s transformation under former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew as an example of how integrity, accountability, and meritocracy could transform a nation.
Attorney General Dorcas Oduor emphasized that corruption could only be defeated through coordinated efforts involving both state and non-state actors. ‘The Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum reflects our shared recognition that no single institution can win this fight alone. It requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach bringing together state and non-state actors,’ she stated.
The Attorney General called for enhanced cooperation between Kenya and South Africa in areas such as mutual legal assistance, asset recovery, information sharing, and prosecution of corruption cases. She noted that although both countries are signatories to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, they still lack a formal framework for judicial cooperation in anti-corruption efforts.
Director-General in the Presidency of South Africa Phindile Baleni highlighted that corruption continued to undermine development, democracy, human rights, and economic growth, particularly in developing countries facing economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. She commended Kenya for promoting transparency and dialogue through KLIF, noting that such engagements were essential in strengthening accountability and building resilient institutions across Africa.
The forum brought together government officials, anti-corruption agencies, civil society representatives, and development partners to discuss strategies for promoting integrity, good governance, and regional cooperation in the fight against corruption.
