World Bank Unearths ‘Quiet Corruption’ in Schools

By Benard Adera
A World Bank report titled Africa Development Indicators 2010 which was released on March 15, 2010 accuses teachers of perpetuating what it terms quiet corruption. The report which carries findings in 53 African states including Kenya says that teachers, particularly primary school teachers in western Kenya could not be found during school hours. The report puts the figure of absentee teachers in the region at 20%.
“Quiet corruption, although smaller in monetary terms, is particularly harmful for the poor, who are more vulnerable and more reliant on government services and public systems to satisfy their most basic needs.” The damning report says in part.

The report notes that a child denied education because of teachers’ unsanctioned absence suffers in adulthood with low precognitive skills and weak health.

Although the report focused more on public service sector, private schools, especially those in informal settlements are not absolved from the blame. With poor pay, teachers in these informal schools are compelled to take time out of school to make an extra coin to sustain their families.