Kuwait maintained its score of 46 in the 2024 Global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), but it dropped two places globally, ranking 65th internationally, 7th among Arab countries, and last in the Gulf region. Below are the key points regarding Kuwait's performance in the index:
- Score Stability Despite Ranking Drop
Although Kuwait did not make progress in its overall score, it maintained stability at 46, reflecting a balance between improvements in some sources and declines in others.
- Improvement in Some Evaluation Sources
Kuwait experienced a noticeable improvement in 4 evaluation sources totaling 18 points, compared to a decline in 4 other sources by 17 points, contributing to a sort of balance in the overall score.
- Progress in Country Risk Ranking
Kuwait’s ranking in the country risk index, issued by the Economist Intelligence Unit, saw a significant improvement of 14 points, rising from 37 to 51, marking the best result Kuwait achieved this year.
- Encouraging Signs to Strengthen National Integrity
The year 2024 witnessed several positive developments in the fight against corruption, including:
- The political leadership's commitment, affirmed through the dignified speech of His Highness Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, to combat corruption and preserve public funds.
- Accountability for individuals involved in Kuwaiti nationality forgery and the implementation of reform decisions in public administration.
- The activation of the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit following a royal decree appointing a new head.
- Issuance of judicial rulings against ministers and leaders in the public sector related to corruption and abuse of power cases.
- Kuwait's Regional and Global Ranking
Regionally: Kuwait ranked last among Gulf countries, while the UAE topped the list, followed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and lastly Bahrain.
Globally: Kuwait dropped to 65th place, underscoring the need to continue efforts to enhance integrity and combat corruption.
While Kuwait’s score in the corruption index remained the same, improvements in certain areas indicate promising reform efforts, which require further work to enhance transparency, accountability, and achieve tangible progress in the coming years according to Al-Qabas.
