The Relevance of the Indigenous African Moral Theory in the control of Public Sector Corruption in Kenya

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

The Relevance of the Indigenous African Moral Theory in the control of Public Sector Corruption in Kenya

Joseph Ouma Oindo¹, Dr. Zacharia Samita², Prof. Edward Oyugi^3
1,3Tangaza University College, Kenya
²Kenyatta University, Kenya

Abstract: This paper explores the contribution of African moral theory in the control of public sector corruption in Kenya. This study is based on a literature review method. The principle method used is the documentary analysis that show how African moral theory can be applicable to the development of a national ideology of the common good to curb persistent corruption in Kenya. This study could provide the Government of Kenya with important information relating to how public sector corruption can be controlled through ethical formation that is indigenous to Kenyans. Through documentary analysis, the study found out that African ethics resonates with the indigenous worldview of Africans and can effectively be employed as an anti-corruption initiative in Kenya. This is because, the central premise of African moral theory is harmony and positive relationships. However, corruption distorts harmony and leads to negative relationships in the country. The study recommends an induction program for government employees. This induction program is a value-reorientation program delivered through seminars/workshops with a particular focus on honesty, justice, transparency, fairness, and personal integrity. The study also recommends the use of reward system as well as deterrents.

Key Terms: Values, Ubuntu, Common Good, Ethics, Educational Curriculum

I. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

The contemporary African society has been described by scholars as a morally fallen world (Kinoti, 1992). For Mugambi and Nasimiyu (1992), the present African society contrasts sharply with the previous society as far morality is concerned. Whereas in the past Africans were much more community-centred, today they are becoming more and more ego-centred (Mwikamba, 1992) and it is this pervasive individualism that has precipitated to persistent public sector corruption leading to the exploitation of the masses. For the case of Tanzania, corruption is cited as one of the major constraints for doing business (Lindner, 2014). Since these immoral incidents are being practiced by educated people, Ngussa, Makewa and Allida (2016) argued, albeit theoretically, that there is a high demand for the education system in Tanzania to come up with strategies to rescue the situation.

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