40% of Kenyan youth say can only vote for candidates who bribe them

50% of Kenyan youth believe it does not matter how one makes money as long as it does not end with jail terms while 47% admire those who hook and crook. These are the findings of a new survey by the East African Institute released Monday.

The study also shows 40% of youth would only vote candidates who bribe them.

30% of those interviewed view corruption as profitable with 35% admitting they would give or receive bribes.

“This is a generation that has no qualms about tax evasion and paying bribes,” said Dr Awiti, the Director East Africa Institute.

The survey reveals, overall, the youth have positive views about politics and democracy. But while 90% believe it is important to vote, 62% admit they would easily accept bribes to vote. A shocking 40% revealing they would only vote candidates who bribe them.

President Uhuru Kenyatta last year, while declaring an all out war on graft, said it needed a multi-faceted approach and change in how corruption is viewed. Critics agree that the vice has its roots firmly in the country’s past.

“We have had corruption for 50 to 60 years in this country and so these young people are seeing what is happening,” said John Githongo, the CEO of Inuka Trust.

With employment opportunities spread far and wide, the study shows that 48% of youth aspire to start their own businesses with only 26% focused on pursuing careers while 11% of the respondents plan to venture into the agricultural sector.

While the compelling data released in the survey raises worrying concerns about the country’s future, not all is gloom and doom.

By Victor Kenani