Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya has called on young Kenyans to take the lead in combating corruption, saying their creativity, energy, and digital skills make them “powerful drivers of change.”
Speaking during the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day 2025, Mvurya emphasized that youth must move beyond being mere victims of corruption to actively shaping integrity and accountability across the country.
“The time has come where young people do not pass merely as victims of corruption, but they must stand to be counted as powerful drivers of change,” he said. “Their creativity, energy, and digital evidence place them at the forefront of seeking accountability and shaping national conversation on integrity.”
Highlighting Kenya’s demographic reality, where nearly 70% of the population is under 35, Mvurya said the government sees youth as a vital force in building a just and transparent society.
“Building a just and transparent society requires collaboration across generations, across sectors, across institutions, with the youth at the driving force shaping integrity now and in the future,” he added.
Mvurya also took the opportunity to outline several government programs aimed at empowering young people and increasing their participation in national development. These include digital innovation hubs that nurture new generations of creators and problem solvers, and mobile-based programs enabling youth to access business grants, mentorship, and training opportunities.
“What I’m saying here is that in this project, you don’t need to know anyone, you don’t need a committee, you don’t need to talk to anyone. All you need is your phone,” Mvurya explained, referring to the 20 billion shilling youth business support initiative, which aims to reach 110,000 young Kenyans.
Other programs highlighted include recognition for prior learning and skills development, mentorship for 90,000 youth in trades across the country, and training 600,000 young people in procurement to facilitate participation in business opportunities at county and national levels.
Mvurya said these initiatives are complemented by ongoing infrastructure projects, including the rollout of 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic networks to expand digital access and promote transparency.
“One way of encouraging transparency and accountability is to use technology. The Government of Kenya is positioning infrastructure across Kenya to make that possible,” he noted.
He also stressed the importance of instilling strong values among youth through education and civic engagement. Digital platforms, social accountability initiatives, and meaningful participation in governance, he said, are key avenues for young Kenyans to uphold integrity and safeguard public resources.
Mvurya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting youth participation in anti-corruption initiatives. “We must transform dialogue into meaningful, inclusive decision-making processes and a culture of addressing concerns in our society,” he said, underscoring the critical role of youth in shaping Kenya’s future.
