As corruption continues to plague government operations at both national and county levels, youth in Kisumu County are taking a decisive stand, determined to reshape the narrative and bring about accountability. On December 9, 2024, during the International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations, thousands of young people gathered at Kasagam Secondary School in Kisumu East constituency to mark the day under the theme: “Kisumu Youth on the Frontline Against Corruption.”
The event, organized by the Kisumu County Accountability Alliance, drew youth from across the region to discuss strategies for combating corruption while participating in sports activities as a unifying platform. Kennedy Anjojo, the Alliance’s coordinator, emphasized the critical role of youth in holding leaders accountable and fostering integrity.
“As organizations that stand between the government and citizens, it is our duty to push the anti-corruption agenda. Young people, as the majority of our population, must take center stage in this fight. They are the leaders of tomorrow, and the future we desire begins with their actions today,” Anjojo said.
The celebration included football matches, a strategic move to attract and engage youth while sensitizing them on the importance of fighting corruption. Anjojo highlighted the power of collective action, calling on young people to resist participating in corrupt practices, report cases of graft, and use their platforms—social media included—to advocate for accountability.
“From TikTok to Instagram, young people must use their voices to spread the anti-corruption message. By sharing, protesting, and reporting cases, we can achieve transformative results,” Anjojo added. He also introduced tools like the Uajibikaji app and toll-free numbers like 22130, which enable citizens to report corruption easily.
Winny Atieno Okoth, Advocacy Officer at TINADA Youth Action Africa, echoed these sentiments, urging young people to continue raising their voices. She applauded efforts by organizations like the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) for their active role in fighting corruption, emphasizing the necessity of partnerships between youth, civil society, and religious institutions.
“It’s time to demand accountability. Corruption has crippled our education system, healthcare, and development. We must rally together and use every tool available to expose and challenge corrupt leaders,” Okoth said.
Okoth also pointed out the success of recent protests led by Generation Z, which highlighted the effectiveness of youth mobilization. She stressed the need for continued capacity-building initiatives to empower young people with the tools and knowledge to combat corruption effectively.
As the day ended, the message was clear: Kisumu’s youth are stepping up, determined to create a future where integrity prevails. With a united front and the support of civil society, the church, and technology, they aim to dismantle the structures of corruption and ensure every coin meant for public development serves its purpose.
The event was a strong reminder that the fight against corruption begins with individual actions and collective responsibility—values Kisumu’s youth are ready to uphold.
