University and college students have been challenged to reject corruption, academic dishonesty and unethical conduct and instead become champions of integrity in the fight against graft.
Speaking during the launch of the Ethics and Integrity Club at Mount Kenya University on 10th June, 2026, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chairperson Dr. David Oginde warned that corruption continues to undermine the country’s social and economic development.
“Stand up against corruption. Corruption may promise quick rewards, but it destroys a nation,” said Dr. Oginde.
He expressed concern over growing tolerance of dishonest practices among young people, including examination malpractice, plagiarism, fake academic certificates and tax evasion. According to the EACC, cases involving forged academic credentials and plagiarism are on the rise.
Dr. Oginde challenged students to pursue genuine success through hard work and integrity rather than shortcuts.
“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 said.
The event, themed Rebuilding Trust Through Ethical Leadership, brought together leaders from government, academia and the anti-corruption sector to encourage young people to take a leading role in promoting ethical leadership.
MKU Principal for Corporate Services and Director of Partnerships and Linkages, Prof. Peter Wanderi, said the university has developed a common unit on ethics, integrity and responsible citizenship to strengthen value-based education.
“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,” said Prof. Wanderi.
Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Hon. Fikirini Jacobs Katoi Kahindi urged students to embrace values that can transform the country and shape responsible leadership.
“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 PS. Jacobs.
He added: “Let us be comrades in this journey and uphold integrity together.”
Students attending the event said corruption continues to deny many qualified young people employment opportunities, leaving some vulnerable to social challenges. They called for tougher action against individuals found guilty of corruption regardless of their status.
The launch of the Ethics and Integrity Club is part of wider efforts under the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF) to strengthe