[kictanet] Governance debates Online - Using ICT to fight graft

[bitange at jambo.co.ke]

Lusters,
I spent most of the day at KIA with other colleagues, civil society,
religious groups and KEPSA to discuss strategies for fighting corruption. 
It was evident that as we get closer to election, the level of corruption
goes up (read sugar).  There was a sense of frustration that we are not
making much progress.  There was a dim of hope in the sense that where we
have automated, revenues are up and less corruption.  It was also clear
that we (civil service) had sufficient delegated authority to
significantly change the future of our nation.  In areas where social
media has been put to use, up to 60% of graft can be detected even before
it is concluded.

If we scale up the use of social media, a senior KACC official tells me
that they would gladly embrace it.  In this list we have many smart
people.  I need suggestions how we can integrate SMS, Twitter, Facebook
and any other tool to assist in the fight against this scourge.  In my
considered view, the anwser lies in technology.

However, One of the presenters said that the western method of fighting
corruption through courts could be the problem.  If you recall in 2008 at
the height of the post election crisis in Mombasa, one businessman did not
have to go to court to recover his goods opting to see a witch doctor.

Any views would be highly appreciated.


Regards


Ndemo.





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