Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Salim Mvurya has emphasized the pivotal role of young Kenyans in promoting accountability and ethical governance.
His remarks came during the International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on Tuesday, an event that brought together government officials, anti-corruption authorities, and development partners.
CS Mvurya highlighted that the youth are central to Kenya’s economic and social transformation, urging them to actively participate in shaping national conversations on integrity and transparency.
“The youth must take the lead in influencing mindsets and driving innovative solutions that reinforce ethical practices across all sectors,” he said.
The event drew key figures including Hon. Judith Pareno, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Justice, Human Rights & Constitutional Affairs; EACC Chair Bp. Prof. David Oginde; and EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud.
Representatives from various development partners also attended, reflecting the collaborative effort to strengthen anti-corruption measures in the country.
Kenya has a history of challenges with corruption, which has impacted public trust in institutions and slowed development initiatives.
In this context, Mvurya underscored that nurturing a value-based culture among the youth is essential for long-term governance reforms.
According to him, empowering young people to make transparent and accountable decisions is key to sustaining national growth and fostering public confidence in government institutions.
The Anti-Corruption Day commemoration serves as an annual platform for raising awareness about unethical practices and mobilizing citizens to engage in civic duties.
Officials at the KICC event reiterated that while government agencies continue to implement proactive anti-corruption strategies, youth engagement remains critical in holding institutions accountable.
Mvurya’s address also emphasized that integrity and ethical leadership should not be limited to government processes but should extend to all areas where young Kenyans influence society, from business ventures to community initiatives.
By participating meaningfully in governance and public discourse, the youth can help embed transparency as a core national value.
The celebration concluded with calls for continued collaboration between government, youth organizations, and development partners to maintain momentum in Kenya’s fight against corruption and to foster a society guided by ethical standards.