Kenya loses Sh.800billion to graft annually, translating to 30 percent of its budget, US Ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter has said.
He said if not fought with zeal, corruption could cost the government its Big Four Development Agenda.
Speaking when he launched a campaign against Visa Fraud at Kenyatta University on Thursday, the Ambassador said corruption was still rife in the country despite renewed government efforts to curb it.
McCarter said the country has enough resources to flourish were it not for corruption which continue to deny young people opportunities to thrive.
“The country has a big choice to make, whether to make the fight its fifth agenda and fight it with utmost seriousness or to tolerate it. World-over, the solution is integrity in leadership, which most people in Kenya lack,” he said.
He called on the youth, especially university students to stand up and agitate for accountability of public resources to be able to get opportunities.
McCarter called on local university students schooling in foreign countries to return home after acquiring certificates to help rebuild their countries.
“The knowledge you get is expected to help you have an impact in your countries. Your loyalty should be with your country, then you can help in changing leadership as you desire. New leadership is the future and university students will lead the way,” he said.
The Ambassador revealed that the US lost huge amounts of money due to visa fraud and called for a collaborative approach to curb the vice.
By Agnes Khisa/ Muoki Charles
