Kenya slightly improved in the global corruption index, according to the latest finding by Transparency International (TI).

The global civil society organization leading the fight against corruption ranked Kenya at 123 out of 180 countries and territories assessed with a score of 32 out of 100, a slight improvement from a score of 30 points in 2021.

In the just released findings on Tuesday, Kenya’s score of 32 points matched the Sub-Saharan average score of 32 but fell below the global average score of 43.

According to Transparency International a score below 50 indicates serious levels of public sector corruption.

The improvement was attributed sustained efforts in developing policies, laws and building institutions towards the implementation of the 2010 Constitution specifically accountability-focused provisions.

“There has also been increased awareness on the manifestations of corruption at both national and county levels resulting from higher media coverage, political rhetoric and civic engagements exposing corruption,” said Transparency International.

“The development of policies, laws, institutions and public dialogue on corruption notwithstanding, Kenya continues to suffer from a high level of petty and grand corruption,” it said.

Regional performance

Rwanda topped the East African region with 51 points compared to 53 points in 2021, Tanzania 38 from 39, Uganda 26 from 27 and Burundi has 17 from 19 points.

South Sudan was ranked last both regionally and globally scoring 13 points from 11 points in 2021.

Countries that scored above the global average from the African region included Seychelles with 70 points, Botswana and Cape Verde tied at 60 points.