Outgoing UK High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan has warned that entrenched corruption and bureaucracy are eroding investor confidence in Kenya, undermining the country’s potential as a business hub.
In an exit interview with The Star on Thursday, Wigan noted that while the Kenyan government has repeatedly expressed its commitment to fighting graft, the execution of reforms has lagged, discouraging British and global investors.
“Despite huge emphasis on growing investments, some British companies have found the business environment very difficult,” Wigan said, adding that corruption and slow decision-making remain key barriers.
He explained that while tackling corruption is universally challenging, Kenya’s case is particularly complicated by deeply rooted practices. “Kenyans tell me because it has become engrained in the system, it’s very difficult to change those deep-rooted behaviours,” he observed.
However, Wigan praised Kenyan authorities for openly acknowledging the problem and offering commitments to address it. He cited engagement with President William Ruto, Cabinet ministers, and oversight institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions. “There’s no hiding it,” he said. “We hear strong signals of political will. It’s just driving that through which is difficult, but we see the opportunity.”
His remarks come amid heightened debate on corruption in Kenya. President Ruto recently accused Parliament of being a haven for bribery and announced a multi-agency team to combat graft, though the initiative was suspended by the courts.
Kenya ranks 121st out of 180 in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, with a low score of 32 out of 100. A recent EACC survey also flagged corruption in the police, Kenya Revenue Authority, and national administration.
Wigan stressed that tackling graft could unlock economic growth, reduce investor risks, and position Kenya as a regional model in the fight against corruption.
