As Mount Kenya University introduces a common unit on ethics, integrity and responsible citizenship to strengthen value-based education, students in universities and colleges have been challenged to fight corruption, dishonesty and academic fraud and instead embrace integrity as a fouandation for national transformation.

Speaking during the launch of the Ethics and Integrity Club at Mount Kenya University (MKU), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chair David Oginde challenged students to take a firm stand on corruption, warning that dishonesty continues to erode the country’s moral and economic fabric.

He expressed concern over findings that show that many young people increasingly view dishonest practices as acceptable and heroic, including tax evasion, corruption, malpractices during examinations, fake academic certificates and plagiarism.

“Stand up against corruption. Corruption may promise quick rewards, but it destroys a nation,” said Dr Oginde

The EACC chair said the commission’s surveys reveal many young people do not see harm in dishonesty. He added that EACC is witnessing an upsurge in plagiarism among university students and sometimes overwhelmed by investigations involving fake certificates, including cases of people holding very senior positions.

The launch, themed Rebuilding Trust Through Ethical Leadership, brought together leaders from the anti-corruption sector, academia and government who urged young people to become champions of ethical conduct in society.

Dr Oginde questioned why students would pursue shortcuts instead of earning genuine qualifications through hard work and commitment.

“Why go to university and fail to earn a genuine certificate that truly reflects who you are? No nation has ever thrived through corruption. Greatness is built on honesty, hardwork and trust,” he asked.

MKU Principal for Corporate Services and Director of Partnerships and Linkages, Prof Peter Wanderi, said the university had already developed a common unit on ethics, integrity and responsible citizenship to strengthen value-based education.

He said the course unit had been approved by the university management and further endorsed by the Dean’’s Committee, following consultations between the university leadership and a high-level delegation from the ethics sector.

Prof Wanderi noted that the initiative aligns with MKU’s institutional values and commitment to integrity. He added that the collaboration between MKU and ethics institutions is expected to enhance awareness, strengthen institutional partnerships and encourage student-led integrity initiatives and policy discussions within universities.

“We need to keep talking about integrity at all times and also practice it. I am happy that even the MKU anthem speaks about integrity, which reflects our institutional values,” he said.

Principal Secretary for State Department of Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs urged young people to embrace values and ethical leadership that can positively transform the country.

“I beseech you with humility to move forward while holding firmly to values and ethos that can transform the country. Change must happen in a manner that does not become disastrous to us,” said Jacobs.

He challenged students to change their mindset and approach national issues differently, urging them to see opportunities rather than obstacles.Jacobs called on students to walk together in promoting integrity and national transformation.

Jacobs called on students to walk together in promoting integrity and national transformation. “Let us be comrades in this journey and uphold integrity together,” he added.

The youth who attended the event led by Ndicho Njoroge and Natali Asai said many educated young people remain jobless due to the actions of corrupt officials in various institutions, leaving them frustrated and vulnerable to drug abuse and crime.

They urged the EACC and the courts to take tougher action against corruption by ensuring all those found guilty, whether senior government officials or ordinary citizens, are punished to demonstrate seriousness and help eradicate the vice.

The Ethics and Integrity Club launch is part of broader efforts under the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF), a partnership and governance initiative aimed at fostering a unified and integrated fight against corruption across institutions.

Last month, MKU entered into a strategic partnership with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), aimed at leveraging the innovation, creativity and energy of young people to foster a strong culture of integrity and ethical leadership across the country.

Speaking during the engagement, MKU Founder and Chairman, Prof Simon Gicharu, commended EACC’s evolving approach, noting a positive shift toward preventive measures such as integrity training and awareness creation, rather than focusing solely on enforcement.

He emphasized the importance of embedding ethics and integrity within the education system, particularly through Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), where values can be instilled at an early age.

MKU Vice-Chancellor Deogratius Jaganyi reaffirmed the university’s commitment to mainstreaming integrity within academic programmes. He further noted that MKU and EACC will jointly develop a comprehensive course on integrity, which will be accessible not only to students but also to the broader Kenyan community.

• A Tell Media report / By James Wakahiu