NAIROBI, Kenya — A group of young Kenyans has completed a 350-kilometre walk from Eldoret to Nairobi to raise public awareness on the harmful effects of corruption and promote integrity in public life.
The ten-day initiative, led by Mr. Mark Kirwa, saw the youth engage communities along the route through churches, market centres, and police roadblocks, delivering a consistent message against bribery and unethical conduct. The group urged citizens to reject corruption and called on law enforcement officers to uphold integrity in the execution of their duties.
Speaking at the end of the walk, Kirwa said corruption remains a major obstacle to national development, limiting opportunities and undermining public trust in institutions.
“Corruption continues to deny Kenyans progress and prosperity. If we embrace a zero-tolerance approach, this country can achieve much more,” he said.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, the team was received at the Integrity Centre by the leadership of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), where they formally presented a petition highlighting their concerns and recommendations.
EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde praised the youth for what he described as a courageous and symbolic act of civic responsibility, noting that the fight against corruption requires collective national effort.
“If corruption is not addressed decisively, it poses a serious threat to our stability and development,” Oginde said, adding that the walk represented a “seed” that could inspire lasting transformation across society.
Drawing lessons from global experiences, Oginde cited Singapore’s transition from a developing country to a global benchmark for prosperity, attributing the success to principled leadership, strong governance, and a firm stance against corruption.
EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud, who received the petition on behalf of the Commission, said corruption can be defeated if citizens take individual responsibility and refuse to participate in corrupt practices.
“Sometimes the simplest action — saying no to corruption — can make a significant difference,” Mohamud said.
He noted that young people are among those most affected by corruption through lost opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. This, he said, has informed EACC’s deliberate focus on youth engagement through universities, youth programmes, and a formal partnership with the National Youth Council.
Mohamud assured the group that the issues raised in their petition would be carefully reviewed and considered by the Commission.
The walk has been hailed as a powerful demonstration of youth leadership and civic engagement, reinforcing calls for integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct as foundations for Kenya’s development and good governance.
