Grass Roots Efforts in Kenya

Sherri Siegele

During class we discussed the relevancy of student (grass roots) organizations and their effect on policy change. Although indirect, they do raise awareness and with this comes pressure on politicians to change policy. Similarly, one man stands to raise awareness of corruption and policy change in Kenya. In 2005 John Githongo, former advisor to the president, former journalist, and former founding director of Transparency International brought corruption charges to the steps of cabinet ministers. Ultimately Githongo lost the battle and fled to the UK in fear of his life. But last year’s disputed presidential election in November, 2007, which caused the death of 1,500 people, brought Githongo back to Kenya. He believed himself no less safe than fellow Kenyan’s. A few weeks ago he published a book that offers in-depth information about Kenya’s corruption. Nairobi bookstores won’t sell the book. They fear legal action from the government. But, Kenya’s national newspaper has published exerts, a British author published the book, and the BBC is reporting on the book. It shouldn’t be too difficult for interested Kenyan’s to get their hands on a copy.

Awareness is being raised in Kenya and from this awareness the possibility of policy change exists. Sadly, there have been more corruption scandals since the election but I hold hope that Githongo has paved the way for other interested parties to slowly push Kenya’s government into some degree of “policy” change when it comes to corruption.