Examining Institutional Reform Strategies: Their impact on corruption and service delivery in Harare's education sector

This study examines the pervasive influence of systemic corruption on service delivery in Harare, Zimbabwe's education sector. Corruption significantly hinders equitable access and quality education, undermining social equity. Using a mixed-methods approach, data from 58 stakeholders—educators, policymakers, and community members—were collected via interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires to identify effective institutional reform strategies. Findings highlight corruption as a core barrier to service delivery, with stakeholders urging stronger transparency and accountability measures. Challenges like insufficient political will and limited community engagement exacerbate the issue. The study concludes that targeted reforms fostering integrity are essential for sustainable educational improvements, offering a pathway to a more equitable system.