Kenya Among Worst Performers in Sub-Saharan Africa on Corruption, Transparency International Report Shows

Kenya’s struggle with corruption shows little sign of improving. The 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International gave the country a score of 30 out of 100. This places Kenya among the lowest-performing nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, raising concerns about leadership and accountability.

Transparency International says that a score below 50 signals weak governance. T.I. Kenya noted, “Kenya with an average score of 30 out of 100, is among 45 countries in the region that have scored below 50, indicative of a concerning decline in bold and committed leadership to tackle corruption.” Over the past 13 years, the country’s scores have fluctuated between 25 and 33. Experts say this indicates long-term stagnation rather than real progress.

Corruption affects everyday Kenyans in multiple ways. Public services are slow, government contracts are mismanaged, and citizens often pay bribes to access basic services. The index shows that Kenya is slightly below the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 32 and far below the global average of 42. Only a handful of countries in the region, like Seychelles, Cape Verde, Botswana, and Rwanda, are seen as effectively controlling corruption.

Transparency International warns that without urgent reforms, corruption will continue to hinder economic growth, weaken institutions, and erode public trust. Political interference, lack of transparency, and weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws make it difficult to address the problem.

Observers say that combating corruption in Kenya will require more than policy statements. Bold leadership, civic engagement, and consistent enforcement are needed to change the status quo. Citizens and civil society have a critical role in demanding accountability.

For now, Kenya remains trapped in a cycle where corruption persists, citizens suffer, and meaningful reform is slow to come. The 2025 CPI report is a wake-up call: without decisive action, stagnation will continue, and public confidence in governance will keep eroding.