A Study of Anti-corruption Communication Planning by State Anti-corruption Agencies in Kenya: a Case Study of the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission

Abstract

This study sought to examine anti-corruption communication strategy planning by anticorruption agencies (ACAs) in Kenya in their initiatives, so as to determine their effectiveness in effecting behaviour change. This was prompted by the fact that despite the multiple efforts and initiatives by anti-corruption agencies to combat the vice, Kenya faces the corruption challenge and listed as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Evidence from relevant literature was evaluated on the significance of communication strategy planning for social behaviour change and encompassed the practice on two theoretical frameworks: communication persuasion and diffusion of innovations. Findings were achieved by way of a case study focusing on the anti-corruption initiatives conducted by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission between the years 2003-2013. Data was collected by document reviews: strategic plans, communication policies and plans, annual reports, and other relevant literature on anti-corruption strategies which were accessed from the anti-corruption agency website and resource centers. The data from the document review was augmented by key informant interviews drawn from communication, governance and anti-corruption agency managers. Thus, the study has identified the principles observed by the ACAs prior to embarking on anti-corruption initiatives as well as challenges faced. Specific recommendations have been generated to address the gaps in designing and effecting anti-corruption communication strategies.