Kirinyaga: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), in collaboration with Kirinyaga University, hosted a Campus Edition event as part of a series of activities leading up to the International Anti-Corruption Day, celebrated annually on December 9. This year's theme, 'Uniting Youth Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity,' aims to raise awareness about the effects of corruption and inspire collective action against it.
According to Kenya News Agency, EACC Vice Chairperson Dr. Monica Wanjiru highlighted the Commission's mandate to establish and maintain strategic partnerships with stakeholders in governance and the rule of law. She emphasized that collaborating with Kirinyaga University offers an opportunity to engage young people and empower them to champion integrity among their peers. Dr. Wanjiru noted the importance of involving youth in the anti-corruption movement, not merely as future leaders but as active changemakers of today.
Dr. Wanjiru explained that the Campus Edition initiative aims to empower young people to actively engage in advancing transparency and uniting against corruption. The program focuses on raising awareness of corruption and its impacts, amplifying youth voices, and inspiring innovative solutions. She urged students to develop new solutions for strengthening integrity and combating corruption through research and innovation, especially in the digital realm.
Kirinyaga University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mary Ndung'u, acknowledged that while universities work with young people hopeful about their futures, corruption threatens that hope. She noted that Campus Edition engagements help restore trust by involving youths in conversations around integrity and seeking their ideas on tackling corruption. Prof. Ndung'u announced plans to establish an Integrity Club at the university to promote integrity-related matters among students.
Gal Levin, Advisor to the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK's partnership with Kenya in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. She emphasized the critical role of young people in shaping an integrity-driven future, noting that their voices, ideas, and actions are essential in dismantling corruption and building a culture of integrity. Levin highlighted that the Campus Edition offers innovation opportunities for young people to transform ideas into projects that combat corruption and enhance accountability.
Levin also emphasized the UK's ongoing commitment to supporting Kenya's anti-corruption efforts through initiatives such as the New Kenya Institutional Strengthening Program. She underscored that fighting corruption is a strategic necessity for economic growth, security, and stability.