To Genzs Corruption is Normal
By Ms. Teresia Muia
Prominent national figures and citizens attended an annual conference organized by the Loyola center for Media and communications (LCMC). They expressed different perceptions as to why corruption has taken roots in Kenya. Pointing to the younger generations, the speakers said these young people do not and cannot see a problem with corruption because they have been born and brought up in corrupt environments.
Speaking during this LCMC conference a week ago, Mr. Cyprian Nyamwamu; The Executive Director of the Future of Kenya Foundation and an activist, says the worsening situation of governance and service delivery in the country makes these young generation unable to judge between right and wrong government. “They have not seen anything that worked in this country…every successful parliament is becoming worse than the previous.”
Mr. Nyamwamu, openly expressed fear for the future of the country that is highly dependent on these young people who make up to 74% of the voters. He said that the Genzs have accepted corruption as the order of the day, becoming ignorant of the situation and issues that affect the country. “They have grown during the time of internet and can study and do jobs online while they are here because the universities in Kenya do not work.” Said Cyprian.
As Kenyans point fingers at the young people’s ignorance, it is also obvious that citizens have generally underrated corruption and have become reluctant when dealing with it and those involved. “The more we baptize corruption into things that are not going to make them nervous then they will continue doing it.” Says the former governor of Makueni; Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.
