University students have been challenged to take a leading role in the fight against corruption and uphold integrity as a key pillar in shaping Kenya’s future.
The call was made during the launch of the Ethics and Integrity Club at Mount Kenya University (MKU) in Thika, where leaders from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), government and academia urged young people to reject dishonest practices and champion ethical leadership.
Speaking at the event, EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde warned that corruption continues to undermine the country’s social, economic and moral development. He challenged students to stand firm against corruption, academic fraud and other unethical practices that have increasingly become normalised in society.
Dr. Oginde expressed concern over reports showing that some young people view corruption-related activities such as tax evasion, plagiarism, fake academic certificates and dishonest conduct as acceptable ways of getting ahead in life.
He noted that while corruption may appear to offer quick benefits, its long-term effects are devastating, affecting service delivery, economic growth and opportunities for millions of Kenyans.
Mount Kenya University Principal for Corporate Services and Director of Partnerships and Linkages, Prof. Peter Wanderi, said the institution is strengthening value-based education through the introduction of a common unit on ethics, integrity and responsible citizenship.
According to Prof. Wanderi, the course has already received approval from the university management and endorsement from the Deans Committee following consultations with stakeholders in the ethics sector.
He said the partnership between MKU and integrity-focused institutions aims to create greater awareness among students while encouraging discussions on ethical leadership and governance within learning institutions.
Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs also challenged young people to embrace values-driven leadership and focus on solutions that can transform the country.
He urged students to adopt a positive mindset and actively contribute to addressing national challenges rather than becoming discouraged by existing obstacles.
Students who attended the event voiced concerns over the impact of corruption on employment opportunities, arguing that many qualified young people remain jobless due to corrupt practices in various institutions.
The students called for stronger action against individuals found guilty of corruption, regardless of their social status or position in society.
The Ethics and Integrity Club launch is part of wider efforts under the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF), a partnership initiative seeking to strengthen collaboration among institutions and build a sustained national campaign against corruption.
