Transparency International

I would like to share with you parts of a blog post that I prepared for Transparency International's blog Space for Transparency for Anti-Corruption Day:

Today is Anti-Corruption Day, created in 2003 by the United Nations to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the UN Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it.

I thought you might be interested in this radio program that I just heard about road safety in Kenya, which probably echoes the problems in Nigeria. There is also a mention of petty corruption and Transparency International. You may want to listen to it and give your feedback.

Since I went to school in Nairobi myself I remember these problems which we had even back then.. but it seems road safety in Kenya has unfortunately gotten worse.

• Road Kill - Part One - Kenya

  Mon, 15 Nov 10

  Duration:
  24 mins

  "It's a woman with a tiny baby and luggage on the back of a motorbike with no helmet." Sheena McDonald travels to Kenya to find out what the government is doing to improve on road safety and reduce the number of traffic accidents.

  Download 11MB (right click & "save target as")

When information which properly belongs to the public is systematically withheld by those in power, the people soon become ignorant of their own affairs, distrustful of those who manage them, and - eventually - incapable of determining their own destinies. Although in many countries recognize the right of citizens to access and use information, this right is often not implemented.

I was pleased to learn via @afrinomad today that my father, Peter Eigen, has been included in the TED Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world. In his talk at TEDxBerlin, he talks about his anti-corruption work, for which I am of course very proud. I am grateful that he is on the Kabissa board as well. 

I was very pleased to watch this very powerful and meaningful BBC program featuring John Githongo, a Kabissa board member and longtime family friend. Highly recommended watching! Click here to watch it online at the BBC website.

The G8 leaders of the world's richest countries have promised to stick to their commitment to double development aid by 2010, with half destined for Africa.

Kenyan anti-corruption campaigner John Githongo investigates whether Tanzania - hailed as a model for good development - is really benefitting from Western aid.