Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Abdi Mohamud has warned that corruption continues to disproportionately affect young Kenyans, with a startling six out of ten admitting they would take a bribe if given the opportunity.
Speaking during the International Anti-Corruption Day 2025 celebration event, Mohamud emphasized that corruption not only drains public resources but also robs youth of opportunities, dignity, and trust in a fair Kenya, urging go through the EACC 2024/2025 annual report to understand the current status of corruption in Kenya.
“For those of you who have been following the work of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, yesterday we launched our annual report for the year 2024-2025, where we documented all the activities we undertook,” Mohamud said.
“I urge you, at your free time, please read that report so that you get to understand the status of corruption in our country.”
Mohamud highlighted findings from the EACC’s 2024 survey, which revealed that corruption disproportionately affects young people through high bribery rates in education, employment, and financial aid services—critical areas for youth development.
“Almost six out of every ten young Kenyans say that they would take a bribe if no one was watching,” he noted. “So despite the fact that youth suffer the greatest when it comes to the effects of corruption, many are tempted when given the chance.”
The EACC boss stressed that corruption extends beyond lost money, undermining public services and opportunities.
“When billions meant for hospitals, roads, bursaries, and universities vanish in private pockets, it is not just money that is stolen. It is jobs you are supposed to get as young people, the classrooms that were never built, the loans that never reach your health account. That dies a little more each day—that is the result of corruption,” he said.
Mohamud urged youth to take an active role in reversing the trend, calling them part of the solution rather than the problem.
“My message to every young person here today and who are listening to me is you are not the problem, but you are the solution, and we want you to be part of the solution in shaping a better tomorrow for our nation.”
He also noted EACC’s partnerships with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, media, and civil society, including the June Memorandum of Understanding signed with the National Youth Council to empower young people through programs promoting good governance and integrity.
“We continue to partner with key stakeholders to stamp out corruption,” he said.
Mohamudd concluded with a call to action, urging young Kenyans to use their strength, creativity, and energy to advocate for accountability, patriotism, and respect for the rule of law.
“The future is too bright to be claimed by half-hearted actions or inactions against corruption,” he said.
