EACC Chair Reveals Disturbing Mindset Taking Root Among Young People

Students have been urged to reject corruption, academic dishonesty and unethical conduct and instead embrace integrity as a guiding principle for personal success and national development. 

The call was made during the launch of the Ethics and Integrity Club at Mount Kenya University (MKU), an initiative aimed at nurturing a new generation of ethical leaders. The event, held under the theme “Rebuilding Trust Through Ethical Leadership,” brought together representatives from the anti-corruption sector, academia and government, all united in their message that young people must take a leading role in restoring integrity within society.

Speaking during the launch, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson Dr. David Oginde challenged students to become champions of honesty and accountability, warning that corruption continues to undermine Kenya’s social, economic and moral progress.

“Stand up against corruption. Corruption may promise quick rewards, but it destroys a nation,” said Dr. Oginde.

He expressed concern over growing trends showing that some young people increasingly view dishonest practices as acceptable, citing tax evasion, corruption, plagiarism and the use of fake academic certificates as examples.

“It is sad that surveys reveal many young people do not see harm in dishonesty. We are witnessing an upsurge in plagiarism among university students, while at EACC we are overwhelmed by investigations involving fake certificates, including cases of people holding very senior positions,” he said.

According to Dr. Oginde, academic fraud not only undermines the value of education but also weakens institutions by placing unqualified individuals in positions of responsibility. He noted that the problem has become a significant challenge for both employers and public institutions seeking competent professionals.

Questioning the logic behind academic shortcuts, he urged students to pursue success through hard work and genuine achievement.

“Why go to university and fail to earn a genuine certificate that truly reflects who you are? No nation has ever thrived through corruption. Greatness is built on honesty, hard work, and trust,” he added.

MKU Principal for Corporate Services and Director of Partnerships and Linkages, Prof. Peter Wanderi, said the university has taken deliberate steps to strengthen ethical leadership among students through value-based education.

He revealed that MKU has developed a common unit on ethics, integrity and responsible citizenship, which has already been approved by the university management and endorsed by the Deans Committee following consultations with leaders from the ethics and governance sector.

According to Prof. Wanderi, the move reflects the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also morally upright.

“We need to keep talking about integrity at all times and also practice it. I am happy that even the MKU anthem speaks about integrity, which reflects our institutional values,” he said.

He added that the partnership between MKU and ethics-focused institutions will help deepen awareness of integrity issues, strengthen institutional collaborations, and create opportunities for students to lead discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting ethical governance.

“As a university, we are ready to support these efforts,” he affirmed.

The event was also addressed by Principal Secretary in the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jacobs, who challenged young people to embrace values that can positively transform the country.

“I beseech you with humility to move forward while holding firmly to values and ethos that can transform the country. Change must happen in a manner that does not become disastrous to us,” said Jacobs.

He encouraged students to adopt a positive mindset when addressing national challenges, urging them to focus on opportunities and solutions rather than limitations.

“See the cup as half full, not half empty. Appoint yourself, just as I did, to be an ambassador of change because Kenya will not change without your participation,” he said.

Jacobs further called on students to work together in advancing ethical leadership and nation-building.

“Let us be comrades in this journey and uphold integrity together,” he added.

The launch of the Ethics and Integrity Club forms part of wider efforts spearheaded through the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF), a governance and partnership platform that seeks to foster a coordinated and integrated fight against corruption across institutions.

Organisers expressed optimism that by empowering students with ethical values and leadership skills, universities can play a critical role in shaping a generation committed to transparency, accountability and responsible citizenship.

As Kenya continues to grapple with corruption-related challenges, leaders at the forum emphasized that sustainable change will require the active involvement of young people, whom they described as the country's greatest hope for building a more ethical and prosperous future.