Uniting Youth Against Corruption: AMWIK and Partners Mark International Anti-Corruption Day in Nakuru
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The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), in collaboration with Transparency International Kenya and other partners, hosted a town hall youth engagement forum in Nakuru on 9th December 2024.
The event, themed “Uniting Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Future,” brought together Nakuru County representatives, media practitioners, and vibrant youth to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day.
The forum, held at St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre, highlighted the vital role of young people in fighting corruption, fostering accountability, and shaping a future characterized by integrity and transparency.
It also spotlighted the devastating effects of corruption on governance, economic stability, and public services, particularly in the health sector.
Corruption and Its Toll on Youth and Society
Kenya’s unemployment rate currently stands at 12.7%, with youth disproportionately affected. Young people, who constitute 65% of the population, face unemployment rates significantly higher than the national average, largely due to systemic corruption and mismanagement in key sectors.
The health sector has particularly suffered, ranking second among the most corrupt ministries, as per a report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Health projects have been riddled with fraud and unethical practices, undermining public trust and access to quality care.
Speaking at the forum, Lorna Sempele programs Manager at AMWIK , representing AMWIK Executive Director, Queenter Mbori, emphasized that corruption corrodes development, widens inequality, and erodes public trust in institutions.
She called on the youth to actively engage in combating these challenges and become champions of integrity within their communities.
The USAWA Program: A Path to Integrity in Healthcare
The forum also highlighted the role of the USAID-funded United Society Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (USAWA) program, which works to improve healthcare governance in Kenya.
Through partnerships with organizations like Transparency International Kenya, Global Compact Network Kenya, and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, USAWA promotes transparency and accountability in the health sector.
The program aims to empower citizens, media, and faith-based organizations to report and address fraud and corruption while advocating for stronger enforcement of laws governing healthcare services.
The Role of Media and Creative Industries
AMWIK underscored the media’s critical role in exposing corruption and holding power to account.
From traditional platforms like radio and television to emerging ones like YouTube, blogs, and spoken word performances, the media serves as a watchdog and a powerful tool for public awareness.
The youth were encouraged to use creative expressions such as music, poetry, and digital storytelling to spotlight injustices and advocate for reforms.
Queenter Mbori in absentia lauded Kenyan artists for producing impactful songs like I am Unbwogable” and Kenya Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo, which highlight societal challenges.
“New media platforms have revolutionized the fight against corruption by amplifying voices and mobilizing communities towards collective action,” she noted.
Empowering Youth as Agents of Change
The forum challenged young people to recognize their potential as agents of change. It provided key takeaways, including:
Recognizing Their Power: Youth must understand their influence on policies and governance through advocacy and activism.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: Working with government officials, civil society, and the private sector can amplify efforts against corruption.
Understanding Corruption Mechanisms: Equipping themselves with knowledge about how corruption operates will empower them to push for effective reforms.
“Youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders; they are today’s changemakers,” Lorna said, urging attendees to unite against corruption with courage and passion.
A Collective Call to Action
The event concluded with a strong call to action for every individual to play their part in building a just and equitable society.
Participants pledged to advocate for integrity and accountability in their respective spheres of influence, laying the foundation for a corruption-free Kenya.
“Let us shape a future where integrity prevails over corruption,” Mbori said in her closing remarks. “Together, we can build a nation where justice is accessible to all and where every individual can thrive without fear of exploitation or injustice.”
This news feature originally appeared on the Nakuru Times website.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
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