A new study by the Institute for Social Accountability (TISA) has revealed that 60 percent of Kenyans prioritize ethnic loyalty over accountability in governance. The report, Living Accountability: The Cultural Roots of Governance and Utu in Kenya, also found that 83 percent of citizens have normalized bribery in their daily lives, raising concerns about the state of integrity in the country.
The year-long study, conducted across 15 counties, examined the cultural and psychological barriers that hinder accountability in governance. According to the findings, fear of victimization, political disillusionment, and a lack of access to accurate information are among the key obstacles preventing citizens from holding leaders accountable. Experts are now calling for increased civic education to address these challenges.
Speaking at the report’s launch in Nairobi on Wednesday, TISA Executive Director Diana Gichengo emphasized that social accountability has always been embedded in Kenyan culture.
“For the first time, this study lets people know that social accountability is as old as our cultural heritage,” Gichengo said. “Kenyans have historically had mechanisms to hold their leaders accountable—whether through councils of elders or uprisings against colonial rule.”
She warned that accountability is an unstoppable force, drawing parallels between past resistance movements, such as the Mau Mau uprising, the Nandi resistance, and the Mekatilili wa Menza-led rebellion, and modern-day activism. According to Gichengo, the rise of youth-led movements, such as Gen Z protests, signals a new era of accountability in governance.
The study also examined the influence of economic factors on public participation, revealing that financial incentives often determine citizen involvement in governance.
“In some cases, people only attend public participation forums when they are paid,” Gichengo noted. The research highlighted two case studies: in Vihiga County, farmers hold the governor accountable, while in Nairobi, traders influence policy decisions despite organizational challenges.
One of the report’s major concerns is how ethnicity influences governance and electoral outcomes. The findings suggest that Kenya’s voting patterns are largely driven by ethnic loyalty rather than a candidate’s integrity or competence, undermining accountability and good governance.
“Our hope is that these lessons in social accountability will make elections more transparent and free from manipulation,” Gichengo said. “If ethical leadership is prioritized, our national values and principles will be upheld.”
She criticized Kenya’s political class for perpetuating corruption and ethnic favoritism, stating that leaders implicated in corruption and abuse of office should not be allowed near the ballot.
When asked about how policymakers could use these findings to improve governance, Gichengo expressed skepticism, arguing that meaningful change must come from citizens.
“This report is telling Kenyans: make your policy, define your priorities, and elect leaders who align with your values,” she said. While the report will be shared with government institutions like the Office of the Auditor General and the Attorney General’s office, Gichengo stressed that lasting reforms depend on public pressure and collective action.
The study also explored how governance failures impact economic empowerment. TISA’s Head of Programs, Alexander Muriithi, warned that poor public financial management limits economic opportunities and affects service delivery.
“If public funds are misused, it increases debt burdens and reduces job opportunities,” Muriithi said. “Social accountability is crucial in ensuring that public resources are used effectively.”
He also underscored the need for widespread civic education to help Kenyans understand their rights and responsibilities in governance. “Many Kenyans unknowingly practice social accountability, such as questioning licensing fees, but they don’t recognize it as such,” he explained. “Public awareness is key to ensuring that power remains with the people, as enshrined in the Constitution.”
The Living Accountability report is expected to serve as a guide for strengthening transparency and governance in Kenya. Experts believe that if its recommendations are implemented effectively, the study could significantly reshape the country’s accountability landscape, ensuring that leadership is driven by integrity rather than ethnic loyalty or corruption.
The report serves as a wake-up call for both policymakers and citizens to uphold national values, demand accountability, and redefine governance in the country.