On 9th December 2024, the National Youth Council (NYC) led by Ag. CEO Ms Gloria Wawira joined the youth and key stakeholders to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 anchored on the theme Uniting Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity. This significant occasion, held at Strathmore University, underscored the critical role of youth in fostering integrity, accountability, and transparency within Kenya’s governance structures.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council, Ms. Gloria Wawira, stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat corruption, which continues to undermine Kenya’s development agenda.
“Corruption erodes the values of integrity, accountability, and patriotism enshrined in our Constitution. As young people make up nearly 75% of our population, their participation in this fight is not optional—it is essential. Together, we can create a future built on the principles of good governance, equity, and transparency,” stated NYC CEO Ms. Gloria Wawira.
The event follows the recently concluded National Youth Forum on Corruption, organized in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). At the forum, youth leaders presented the Anti-Corruption Action Plan for Kenya, addressing critical areas for intervention, including:Tackling youth unemployment to reduce vulnerability to corrupt practices; Enhancing civic and anti-corruption education to empower citizens;Strengthening governance frameworks to uphold accountability;Addressing systemic corruption in critical sectors such as health and; Promoting youth engagement in civic processes.
During today’s event, youth leaders from across various organisations shared their views, calling for stronger platforms for dialogue between policymakers and the youth. They emphasized the need for inclusive strategies that enable young people to take leadership roles in the fight against corruption.
The Chief Guest, Dr. David Oginde, Chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), commended the youth for their resilience and commitment to building a society free from corruption. “The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the custodians of integrity today. Your actions are critical to dismantling corruption andf fostering a culture of accountability,” he said.
In addition to the keynote addresses, participants were encouraged to embrace NYC programs such as Wazo and Uzalendo, which promote integrity, patriotism, and economic empowerment. NYC also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaborations with stakeholders, including EACC Kenya, Transparency International Kenya, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to enhance anti-corruption efforts.
As NYC prepares for its elections in early 2025, NYC CEO Ms. Gloria Wawira encouraged youth to actively participate and elect leaders who exemplify integrity, accountability, and transparency.
The event was organized by the UNODC in partnership with Transparency International Kenya, the US Embassy, the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum, and EACC Kenya.
“The fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. Together, we will pave the way for a future where integrity is not just an ideal but a lived reality,” concluded NYC CEO Ms. Gloria Wawira.
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