Factors influencing staff engagement in corruption in the Public Service of Kenya: a case of the department of Immigration

Abstract

The study sought to establish the factors that influence staff engagement in corruption in the Department of Immigration in Kenya. The study was identified based on the high corruption perception index of the Department of Immigration in Kenya and equally high corruption perception index of the country worldwide. This is despite the measure put in place to fight corruption. The study objective was to investigate influence of organizational culture, level of automation, legal framework, staff motivation and public perception in the engagement of staff of the department in corruption.

The importance of the study was to assist the government to unveil the secret behind the continued corruption in the department despite the efforts to fight the vice. The study used purposive sampling technique and descriptive survey design. The data was collected using mail questionnaires for areas outside Nairobi with additional observation methods. The data analysis used both descriptive qualitative and descriptive quantitative methods. The findings were analysed through comparison of the raw data presented in tabular forms and other illustrative diagrams.

The major factors that influence staff to engage in corruption were found to be bad organizational culture and the high public perception that the department is corrupt. The study recommends the department to review the regulations and requirements for clear understanding by the customers, put in place proper and effective automation systems to deal with numerous corruption malpractices, appropriate measures be put in place and seal loopholes that enhance opportunities for bribery by the service seekers. Further, to undertake specific case studies and also motivate public sector employees.