Youth Complete 350km Walk to Champion Fight Against Corruption

A group of young Kenyans has completed a 350-kilometre walk from Eldoret to Nairobi to raise public awareness about the dangers of corruption and promote integrity across the country.

The ten-day journey, led by Mr. Mark Kirwa, brought together youth determined to spark national reflection on the impact of corruption on development and social justice. Along the route, the team stopped at churches, market centres and police roadblocks, engaging citizens and public officers with a clear message: reject corruption and uphold integrity.

The walkers urged members of the public to resist offering bribes and called on law enforcement officers to execute their duties with honesty and professionalism. According to Mr. Kirwa, corruption remains one of the biggest barriers to Kenya’s progress.

“Corruption denies citizens opportunities and slows national development. Kenya can achieve much more if we all adopt a zero-tolerance approach to this vice,” he said at the end of the walk.

Upon their arrival in Nairobi, the team was received at the Integrity Centre by the leadership of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde commended the youth for their determination, describing the initiative as a powerful reminder that the fight against corruption is a shared national responsibility.

“Failure to confront corruption threatens the stability and development of our country. What these young people have done is a seed that can inspire long-lasting transformation,” Dr. Oginde said. He also cited Singapore’s success, noting that principled leadership and strong governance enabled the country to rise from a developing state to a global model of prosperity.

The youth presented a petition to the Commission outlining their concerns and proposals. Receiving it, EACC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Abdi Mohamud emphasized that corruption can be defeated if every citizen takes responsibility.

“Sometimes the simplest action—refusing to give or receive a bribe—can make a big difference,” Mr. Mohamud said. He added that young people are among those most affected by corruption, a reality that has driven the Commission to intensify engagement with youth through universities, youth programmes and a formal partnership with the National Youth Council.

Mr. Mohamud assured the group that the issues raised in their petition would be carefully reviewed.

The 350-kilometre walk stands as a strong demonstration of youth leadership, civic responsibility and growing public commitment to integrity and good governance in Kenya.