Contribution of private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption at the National Transport and Safety Authority, Kenya.

Abstract

Corruption remains the biggest challenge to the timely and efficient provision of public goods in services such as water, education, healthcare and transportation. This requires the concerted effort of both public and private actors to combat the vice to alleviate the problems emanating from corruption. The study sought to determine the contribution of the private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The study was guided by the following objectives: to determine the effectiveness of the strategies used by the private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption, to assess the adequacy of the legal framework used by private sector motor transport actors in the fight against corruption and to determine the challenges undermining the private sector motor transport actors efforts in the fight against corruption at the NTSA. The study was anchored on the institutional theory as well as the collective action theory. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. Data was collected from a sample size of 384 respondents using questionnaires and key informant interviews respondents. Convenience, stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used in distributing the members of the sample across the strata. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics obtained using SPSS version 26 while thematic analysis was undertaken for the qualitative data. The quantitative data was presented using tables, charts and graphs while the qualitative one has been presented using narratives and verbatim quotations. With regard to the effectiveness of the strategies used by the private sector actors in motor vehicle transport to fight corruption at the NTSA, the study established that awareness campaigns were effective as reported by 52% of respondents. Other strategies were found to be ineffective due to cost implications and there dependence on state actors whose collaboration was found to be weak. The study established that the legal framework for fighting corruption was adequate as evidenced by successful prosecution of offenders and termination of graft perpetrators at the NTSA. Its enforcement was however found to be weak besides being riddled with inconsistencies in the various provisions especially on institutional mandates and alignment with the international legal regime. The main challenges to the private sector motor transport actors’ efforts to fight corruption were the normalization of the vice as reported by 100% of respondents as well as lack of cooperation from some players in the sector. The study recommends increased collaboration between private and public sector actors and a review of the legal regime to align municipal and international laws. The findings of the study may be beneficial to the various public and private entities in devising strategies and solutions to fight corruption and ensure efficient service delivery to the public.