THIKA, Kenya — The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has intensified its anti-corruption campaign by targeting young people, warning that the fight against graft cannot succeed without a generation committed to integrity and ethical leadership.
Speaking during the launch of the Ethics and Integrity Club at Mount Kenya University (MKU), EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde challenged students to reject corruption, dishonesty, and academic fraud, describing them as major threats to Kenya’s social and economic progress.
The event, held under the theme “Rebuilding Trust Through Ethical Leadership,” brought together leaders from government, academia, and anti-corruption institutions who called on young people to become ambassadors of integrity in their communities and future workplaces.
Dr. Oginde expressed concern over findings from EACC surveys indicating that some young people increasingly view unethical practices as acceptable. He cited tax evasion, corruption, plagiarism, and the use of fake academic certificates as examples of conduct that continues to undermine national values.
“The commission’s surveys reveal that many young people do not see harm in dishonesty,” Oginde said. “We are witnessing an upsurge in plagiarism among university students and are often overwhelmed by investigations involving fake certificates, including cases involving people holding very senior positions.”
He questioned why students would pursue shortcuts instead of earning qualifications through hard work and merit, warning that normalising dishonesty in learning institutions creates a pipeline for corruption in public and private sector leadership.
Mount Kenya University Principal for Corporate Services and Director of Partnerships and Linkages, Prof. Peter Wanderi, said the institution has taken deliberate steps to promote ethical conduct among learners.
He revealed that the university has developed a common course unit on ethics, integrity, and responsible citizenship. The programme has already received approval from university management and the Deans Committee following consultations with ethics and governance stakeholders.
Prof. Wanderi said the initiative aligns with MKU’s commitment to value-based education and responsible leadership.
“The collaboration between MKU and ethics institutions will strengthen awareness, deepen institutional partnerships, and encourage student-led integrity initiatives and policy discussions within universities,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs also urged students to embrace ethical leadership and national values as they prepare to take up leadership roles in society.
“I beseech you with humility to move forward while holding firmly to values and ethos that can transform the country,” Jacobs said. “Change must happen in a manner that does not become disastrous to us.”
He challenged young people to adopt a positive mindset, focus on solutions, and play an active role in shaping a more accountable and prosperous Kenya.
