Youth, Journalists Rally Against Corruption During Africa Anti-Corruption Day Event in Eldoret

Calls for integrity, accountability and transparent leadership dominated discussions as students, journalists, civil society organizations and public institutions gathered at the Eldoret Media Hub to commemorate Africa Anti-Corruption Day.

The event, held in Uasin Gishu County, focused on the role of young people in preventing corruption and promoting ethical conduct in public service, employment and governance. Speakers agreed that the fight against corruption begins with individual choices and requires collective action from citizens, government institutions and the media.

Addressing the gathering, Sonia Mitchelle, a journalism student at Moi University, urged young people to reject the temptation of paying bribes in exchange for employment opportunities, despite the economic hardships facing many graduates.

“We know many young people are unemployed, and life is not easy. But do not buy a job if you do not qualify for it. Apply through the proper channels and allow your qualifications and abilities to earn you the opportunity,” she said.

Her remarks were reinforced by fellow Moi University journalism student Geen Ogolla, who said integrity should guide every decision made by young people.

“There is no reason to give bribes or participate in any form of corruption. It starts with each one of us. When someone pays for an opportunity, another person who genuinely deserves it loses that chance,” Ogolla said.

The discussion also highlighted the need to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind in the fight against corruption.

Gen Z youth representative Diana Nanjala called on the government to expand civic education programmes targeting persons with disabilities, particularly those living in rural and marginalized communities.

“Many persons with disabilities do not know their constitutional rights or what the Disability Act provides for them. There is a need for continuous awareness and capacity building so they can demand the services and opportunities they are entitled to,” she said.

Participants emphasized that the media has a critical responsibility in exposing corruption and strengthening public accountability.

Rahab Gati, a journalism student at The Eldoret National Polytechnic, encouraged aspiring journalists to uphold professional ethics and use investigative reporting to expose abuse of office.

“Every person must decide to reject corruption. Journalists also have a duty to investigate and bring hidden cases of corruption to light so that those responsible are held accountable,” she said.

Representing the Commission on Administrative Justice, officer Eunice Keter reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to promoting transparency and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights.

“The Commission on Administrative Justice remains committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen accountability and transparency in public institutions. We continue creating awareness about the right to fair administrative action and the constitutional right to access information, because informed citizens are better placed to demand accountability,” Keter said.

Officials from the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association noted that public attitudes toward corruption remain a significant challenge.

The association’s journalism coordination manager, Ibrahim Too, said previous community engagements had revealed that many people only condemn corruption when they are personally disadvantaged by it.

“Our interactions with young people showed that some only see corruption as a problem when it does not benefit them. That is the mindset we must change because corruption harms every citizen and continues to slow Africa’s social and economic development,” Too said.

Uasin Gishu Journalists Association Chairman James Gitaka said journalists and African leaders must play a greater role in building institutions founded on integrity, openness and the rule of law.

“There is still a great deal of work to be done across Africa. Countries that have successfully reduced corruption invested in transparent systems, accountable leadership, independent institutions and a strong judiciary. Those are lessons Africa should continue embracing,” Gitaka said.

Transparency International also renewed its call for citizens to become active participants in combating corruption.

Tom Juma, an officer with the organization, said corruption surveys continue to identify sectors such as land administration and policing among those most vulnerable to bribery, underscoring the need for sustained reforms.

“Our goal is to reduce corruption by encouraging citizens to report bribery, demand accountability and work together in promoting integrity across all sectors,” Juma said.

Africa Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on July 11 to mark the adoption of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. The observance seeks to strengthen cooperation among governments, civil society, the media and citizens in advancing transparency, good governance and sustainable development across the continent.