By Treezer Michelle Atieno
In a decisive effort to mold the ethical fabric of Kenya’s youth, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has joined forces with the Ministry of Education to initiate the establishment of 1,000 integrity clubs across the nation’s educational institutions. Launched on December 14, 2023, this initiative seeks to instill integrity and responsibility in young minds, combating the deeply entrenched acceptance of corruption within the adult population.
Dr. Emily Mworia, Deputy Director overseeing Public Education and Awareness at EACC, highlighted the critical need to instill ethical values in the youth, considering the prevailing acceptance of corruption as a societal norm. She emphasized, “EACC is establishing Integrity Clubs in learning institutions : universities, colleges, and schools to inculcate values among young people as one way of responding to the challenge of corruption that is now widespread and internalized as a way of life in Kenyan society.”
These Integrity Clubs are to serve as platforms for nurturing ethical living among students, aiming to shape them into responsible and patriotic citizens who reject engaging in corruption during their formative years and beyond.
Beyond the immediate objective of instilling ethical values, EACC envisions that these clubs will empower and prepare students for active involvement in decision-making, governance, and anti-corruption processes. This broader goal aligns with the clubs’ role in shaping a generation of individuals who are not only ethically grounded but also actively engaged in building a corruption-resistant society.
Dr. Mworia shared these insights during an Integrity Club Patrons workshop held at Machakos University. The workshop, attended by educators serving as Integrity Club Patrons from secondary and primary schools in Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, and Kajiado Counties, aimed to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to effectively oversee Integrity Clubs within their institutions.
Corruption in Kenya has been a persistent challenge, affecting various facets of Kenyan society, from economic development to public service delivery.
In recent years, corruption has undermined economic progress, diverting resources that could have been allocated to essential public services. The misallocation of funds due to corruption has hindered infrastructure development, healthcare, and education, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality.
Moreover, corruption erodes public trust in government institutions, hindering effective governance and exacerbating social inequalities. The lack of accountability resulting from corrupt practices weakens the foundations of democracy, leaving citizens disillusioned and disengaged from civic processes.
The fight against corruption is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for Kenya’s sustainable development.
