This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Corruption is a pervasive issue that affects the global economy, with the World Economic Forum estimating that it costs $3.6 billion annually. In Africa, the cost of corruption exceeds the total combined amount of development aid, according to the African Development Bank.
As the fight against corruption gains momentum, it is essential to recognize the critical role that young people can play in this effort. Dr. Kellen Kiambati, a senior lecturer at Karatina University, emphasizes the importance of involving youth in the war against corruption.
According to Dr. Kiambati, corruption compromises the future of young people and drains resources that could be used for infrastructure development and social services. Despite some progress, such as the recovery of assets by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, there is still much work to be done.
One of the key strategies for disrupting corruption is for young people to organize themselves into credible groups that can participate in planning and budgeting processes at all levels. This can help prevent corruption from being integrated into the budgeting and planning process.
Dr. Kiambati also stresses the need for young people to hold leaders accountable and seal areas of pilferage and waste. Well-coordinated efforts across departments and agencies can help ensure efficiency and cost management.
Furthermore, young people should follow through on commitments to fighting corruption, including lifestyle audits and demanding accountability from leaders who acquire wealth that cannot be explained.
Finally, young professionals should assess the value of proposed development projects and map out direct and indirect benefits to ensure that projects translate to valuable and life-transforming outcomes.
As Dr. Kiambati notes, young people have the political goodwill and the onus of agitating to ensure that commitments to fighting corruption are implemented both at the national and county levels.
