MICHAEL: Lessons for Kenya on utilising AI, digital technologies to combat corruption

Corruption remains a significant challenge in many countries, undermining economic development, governance, and social equity.

As global awareness of this issue grows, several nations have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies as innovative tools to combat corruption.

These technologies not only enhance transparency and accountability, but also streamline processes, making it harder for corrupt practices to thrive. Kenya, grappling with its own corruption issues, can learn valuable lessons from these global efforts:

Estonia has emerged as a leader in digital governance. The country’s e-governance system allows citizens to access public services online, reducing the need for in-person interactions that can lead to corrupt practices. By implementing a digital identity system, Estonia has enhanced transparency in government transactions. Citizens can track the flow of public funds, making it easier to hold officials accountable. This digital approach minimises bureaucratic inefficiencies that often facilitate corruption.

 Singapore employs predictive analytics to monitor and analyse public spending. The city-state's government uses AI to detect irregularities in procurement processes and expenditure. By identifying patterns indicative of potential fraud or corruption, authorities can intervene early. This proactive approach not only reduces opportunities for corruption but also fosters a culture of accountability within public institutions.

India's adoption of digital payment systems has played a crucial role in combating corruption in welfare programs. Initiatives like the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system ensure that financial aid reaches beneficiaries directly through their bank accounts, reducing opportunities for siphoning off funds. The use of biometric identification (Aadhaar) further enhances the integrity of these transactions, making it difficult for individuals to exploit the system fraudulently.

In South America ,Brazil's government has embraced open data initiatives to promote transparency. By making data on public spending, procurement, and contracts accessible to citizens, the government encourages civil society to engage in monitoring and oversight. This transparency has empowered citizens and watchdog organisations to report irregularities, fostering a more informed public discourse around corruption.

Nigeria has implemented digital whistleblowing platforms to encourage reporting of corrupt activities. These platforms allow citizens to anonymously report corruption without fear of retaliation. Coupled with AI tools that analyse reports and identify trends, these initiatives empower citizens and enhance government responsiveness to corruption allegations.

The Kenyan government should  therefore consider advancing its e-governance initiatives. By digitising public services and enabling online access to government information, the country can reduce the face-to-face interactions that often lead to bribery and other corrupt practices. A robust e-governance system would enhance transparency and empower citizens to monitor government actions.

The Kenyan government can benefit from adopting predictive analytics to scrutinise public expenditure. By analysing historical data and identifying anomalies, authorities can proactively address potential corruption risks. This data-driven approach will enhance the government's ability to allocate resources effectively and ensure accountability.

 Expanding the use of digital payment systems in welfare programs can significantly reduce corruption in Kenya. By ensuring that aid reaches intended recipients directly, the government can minimise the opportunities for misappropriation. Implementing biometric identification similar to India’s Aadhaar system could further bolster these efforts.

 Kenya can enhance its open data initiatives to foster public scrutiny of government actions. By making information about public spending and procurement easily accessible, citizens can engage more actively in governance, thereby creating an environment where corrupt practices are more likely to be reported and addressed.
Creating anonymous reporting mechanisms for corruption would empower citizens in Kenya to expose corrupt practices without fear. By utilising digital platforms for whistleblowing, the government can encourage more individuals to come forward and report misconduct, which can then be analyzed with AI tools for efficiency and impact.

AI and digital technologies have shown great promise in combating corruption across the globe. For Kenya, adopting these innovative solutions can be a game-changer in the fight against corruption. By learning from the successful strategies implemented in countries like Estonia, Singapore, India, Brazil, and Nigeria, Kenya can harness the power of technology to create a more transparent, accountable, and equitable society. Through commitment and collaboration, the government, civil society, and citizens can work together to build a robust framework to combat corruption and foster national development.

Aloys Michael is a freelance journalist. He comments on governance and security issues.