Indeed, corruption causes injustice, which promotes poverty, which robs people of their dignity and, ultimately, leads to violence. Yet, corruption is a symptom of a larger problem of a lack of civic ethics. Hence, everyone needs to take on the role of a civic agent by teaching the younger population to appreciate their world, their countries, and their fellow humans.

Unfortunately, studies conducted in 2018 revealed that, 30% of Kenyan youth believe that corruption is profitable. Clearly, the youth have become both victims and perpetrators of corruption. Hence, the fight against corruption must focus on changing societal attitudes, especially those of the youth, that condone, justify, or celebrate the vice.

Well, traditionally grandparents would sit grandchildren around the fireside and impart wisdom through tales and poems. However, that institution for passing over the baton to future generations has been eroded. Believing that corruption is a symptom of a lack of civic ethics in society, teaching civic morals to young people could be the solution to the lack of public morality.

As a measure of commitment to empowering youth and facilitating youth engagement at all levels, in line with the UN Youth Strategy, it becomes a necessity to establishment, promote and protect several Youth Forums to bring together young people to jointly share their experiences, ideas and creativity on various topics related to political education, political participation, leadership and governance, anti-corruption, peace building and entrepreneurship.

As it is commonly stated, a country’s dreams are based on its youth’s potential, the youthful population should to become more civically active beginning in elementary school, resulting in productive and involved citizens. Moreover, corruption is precipitated by poor leadership. Hence, a new generation of leaders must be considered to overcome this predicament. Leaders who are ethical, dynamic, capable and willing to take initiative, with the skills to be effective and with the values to ensure the social justice which will spark socio-economic transformation of Africa.

A lack of ethical and civic responsibility not only allows corruption to continue, but it also threatens democracy. Kenyan citizen participation is crucial to maintaining our democratic system of government. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people cannot exist without civic life. Agreeably, there is a trend of the nation’s diminishing levels of civic engagement, and it must worry social justice enthusiasts. Not only is there a lack of understanding, particularly among the youthful population of how the government operates, but there is also a serious lack of faith in our leaders.

This lack of civic involvement is also demonstrated by Kenyan’s reduced participation in elections and community organizations, particularly among young voters, as witnessed in the Kenya’s 2022 general elections. Perhaps political dysfunction, deliberately polarized media, technological revolution in leisure are some of the causes of this decline in civic involvement. Hence, the growth of "civic deserts," or areas where there are few to no possibilities for individuals to "gather, discuss topics, or remedy problems," is especially concerning. Indeed, there is no question that communities need new types of civic networks

My vision is to see the birth of platforms on which to learn about social justice and become more socially and politically conscious. There is high need to inspire ethical and civic responsibility among the younger population by stimulating their comprehension of corruption and its hazards to society and arousing their sociopolitical consciousness.

Otherwise, I picture a lovely, wealthy, and healthy mother Africa unable to feed her children because of her tainted conscience. I foresee a Mother Africa who is unconcerned about teaching her children civic ethics. I observe African sons and daughters who have received technical and theoretical training but have no access to social and political skills and knowledge. I observe African sons and daughters who grow up to be excessively individualistic and oblivious to society. Then I see Africa succumbing to corruption.

On this International Anti-Corruption Day, I appeal to all social justice advocates, young and old, to rise up and join forces in support of causes that will have an influence on both our nations and the entire world, whatever small our individual contributions may be.