Kuwait’s score on the 2024 Global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) remained at 46. This reflects a slight overall improvement, but still places the country at the bottom of the Gulf region and 7th in the Arab world. Despite this, Kuwait has made progress in the past five years. Its score improved by 18 points in four sources, though this was offset by a 17-point decline in others. This led to a partial balance in its overall score.
According to the Kuwait Transparency Society, the 2024 CPI highlights the relationship between corruption and the climate crisis. The evaluation draws from eight different sources. While Kuwait’s global ranking dropped by two positions to 65th place, there were signs of improvement. This included a significant rise of 14 points in the risk classification issued by the Economic Investigation Unit of The Economist Group.
Kuwait’s performance was impacted by a mix of positive and negative assessments across various metrics. However, the Transparency Society noted improvements in several key areas. The country continues to face challenges in addressing corruption, as evidenced by its ranking as the lowest in the Gulf. In contrast, the UAE topped the rankings in both the Gulf and Arab world. It was followed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain, respectively.
Positive developments contributing to Kuwait’s score include:
- A strong message from His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, reaffirming the political leadership’s commitment to combating corruption.
- The government’s actions to hold accountable those involved in identity fraud and passing reforms aimed at improving the administrative system.
- The activation of the Financial Investigations Unit through Amiri Decree No. 216 of 2024.
- Several judicial rulings against ministers and public sector leaders on corruption-related charges.
While challenges remain, these efforts suggest a move towards enhancing the integrity of Kuwait’s national systems in the coming years.
