Bribery and corruption in telecommunications: the case of Kenya

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how telecommunications in Kenya was affected by the absence of good governance and the presence of rent-seeking by ministers.

Design/methodology/approach

A single-country case study combining approaches of anti-corruption and telecommunications methodologies using secondary and legal sources.

Findings

Corruption has been a significant factor, but has also led to distortions in the market which may have been more significant.

Research limitations/implications

Given the sensitivity of corrupt dealing, it is impracticable to interview the principals, some of whose identities are concealed behind front companies.

Practical implications

It is necessary to modify telecommunications practice to eliminate the use of front companies and those registered in opaque registries to identify conflicts of interests.

Originality/value

This is one of only four countries examined in terms of bribery and corruption in telecommunications.

Citation

Sutherland, E. (2015), "Bribery and corruption in telecommunications: the case of Kenya", info, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 38-57. https://doi.org/10.1108/info-01-2015-0013