EACC leads integrity talks among Mombasa youth to avert corruption

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday held a Youth Integrity Dialogue at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), urging young people to take a front-line role in steering the country toward ethical leadership.

The forum, themed 'The Ethical Leadership for the Kenya We Want,' brought together university students, the EU Delegation to Kenya, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), youth leaders and government officials, which focused on Kenya’s long-running struggle with corruption and the rising demand for youth-led accountability.

Students and youth leaders who spoke expressed frustration over slow reforms, unresolved corruption cases and the continued presence of leaders linked to graft in public office. Many questioned the relevance of institutions mandated to represent them, including the National Youth Council.

Philemon Savior Ogundo, a TUM student, said the country’s leadership challenges go beyond financial scandals.

“It's not about money... It's about integrity and lost dignity. Making decisions based on the leadership we want as the public. Not who you know or your last name. We are the architects of today not leaders of tomorrow. Leaders who inspire this generation,” he said.

Several youth participants also recalled taking to the streets last year to demand better governance, saying their concerns were ignored despite calls for accountability.

EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud urged the youth to embrace integrity in their daily decisions and resist becoming tools for unethical political actors.

“We have noticed one problem with the youth today, impatience. They want to get in today and be the EACC CEO tomorrow. Then, after you give him the role, tomorrow they will say they are tired and want to quit. They need to be realistic as they also advocate for their rights,” he said.

"Youth need to take responsibility by refusing to participate in bribery, act on political instructions from unethical leaders or elect leaders who are compromised. We are involving the youth as key stakeholders to support us in the fight against corruption."

Mohamud also cautioned youths against being co-opted by politicians into shielding leaders under investigation, citing recent incidents in which EACC detectives were attacked while raiding the home of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

“Don’t be used by politicians to do things which are not good for you and for your future. Bribing the youth to do bad and to shield politicians who are stealing their money. It is just like the owner of the house fighting the security guard who wants to arrest the thief,” he said.

He commended former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana for openly engaging on governance issues, saying: “I am sure you have not seen any of the former Governors speaking in an open forum about corruption, but Prof. Kibwana is here. So it is possible to do the right thing and you will see the benefits and fruits of the life you want to live.”

State Department for Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs said young people must view themselves as contributors to national development rather than future placeholders.

“The youth want opportunities in leadership. Architects of today not leaders of tomorrow. Lets embrace national interests and love for Kenya, Kenya is a wonderful country for the betterment of one another,” he said.

National Youth Council acting CEO Gloria Wawira challenged the participants to set the standard they expect from leaders telling them that they 'must take responsibility and make the change needed today and tomorrow.'

Other guests at the forum included Amani Katana, youth leader from Mombasa, UNODC’s Koen Marguering and EU Delegation Programme Manager for Elections, Human Rights and Justice Line Urban.