Cyrus M. Maweu

Corruption in a Cross-national Perspective: a Comparative Study of the Causes of Corruption in East Africa Cyrus M. Maweu

Corruption is manifested differently inter alia through bribery, abuse of office and embezzlement. The prevalence of the vice globally results in reduced access to basic services and diversion of resources from investments in infrastructure, institutions and social services among others. The East African region (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi) scores low on the war against corruption. The causes of corruption in the five states are almost similar with high level of discretion coupled with weak control mechanisms and lack of sufficient political good will among duty bearers compromising the war against corruption. Success in combating corruption will thus largely depend on the quality of governance and the level of effectiveness, efficiency and equity in resource generation, allocation and management. This study is highly recommended to researchers and practitioners interested in the fight against corruption