Anti-Corruption Commissions: The Quest for Legitimate and Efficient Governance in Africa

• In Event: Terrorism, Corruption, and Drug Policy

Abstract

The paper critically examines whether the establishment and practices of the anti-corruption commissions in Ethiopia and Kenya contribute towards legitimate and efficient governance. These Commissions have legal mandates to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices among public officials. Their objectives are stated as building public trust and contributing to efficient governance. African regimes still face legitimation challenges; and one of these challenges emanate from the public perception of pervasive government corruption. Ethiopia and Kenya rank 111 and 136, respectively in Corruption Perception Index among 177 countries in the world. However, there have been slight improvements in public perception between 2000 and 2013. The efforts by anti-corruption commissions may have contributed to such improvement in positive public attitude. The current conviction rate of corruption cases in Ethiopia among public officials is 91.9%. These Commissions review and closely monitor administrative and procurement procedures in order to seal any loopholes which are conducive to embezzlement, fraud, and bribery in government offices and state owned enterprises. The Commissions have successfully recovered and reported misappropriated assets. Moreover, the requirement of asset disclosure and registration of property owned by appointed and elected public officials, as well as the protection of whistle-blowers to some degree have deterrence effect.

Author

• Pietro Toggia, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania