Corruption, Economic Growth, And Governance in The East African Region: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies

Purpose: This study examines the prevalence, causes, and consequences of corruption in the East African region and investigates its empirical relationship with governance quality and economic growth across different national contexts. Method: A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative component involved a comprehensive review of academic literature, official documents, and reports from international organizations. The quantitative analysis relied on secondary data, including the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), global governance indicators, and macroeconomic data, enabling cross-country comparative analysis. Findings: The findings show that corruption in East Africa is driven by interconnected political, social, economic, and institutional factors. Countries affected by political instability and internal conflict, such as Somalia and South Sudan, exhibit the highest levels of corruption and the weakest governance systems. Conversely, countries such as Seychelles, Mauritius, and Rwanda demonstrate that lower corruption levels are associated with stronger governance and more stable economic performance. Empirical evidence largely supports the “sand the wheels” hypothesis, indicating that corruption undermines economic growth and governance effectiveness. Originality/Value: The study adds to the literature by highlighting that effective anti-corruption strategies in East Africa require institutional strengthening, political stability, and comprehensive governance reforms, offering insights for policymakers and development stakeholders.