The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Abdi Mohamud has raised alarms over a survey finding that nearly six out of ten young Kenyans would accept bribes if unobserved. Speaking at International Anti-Corruption Day events, he emphasized how corruption severely affects youth opportunities in education and employment. Mohamud urged young people to join the fight against graft as part of the solution.
On December 9, 2025, during celebrations for International Anti-Corruption Day at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud addressed a troubling statistic from recent surveys. He revealed that six out of every ten young Kenyans admit they would engage in bribery if no one is watching, despite being the primary victims of corruption's consequences.
Mohamud highlighted the direct toll on youth, noting elevated bribery demands in key sectors like education, job placements, and financial assistance programs. "Even though youth actually suffer the greatest when it comes to the effects of corruption, 6 out of 10 say they will engage if given the opportunity. That is not a very encouraging statement," he said.
The EACC's 2024-2025 annual report, launched the previous day, underscored the agency's progress: it prevented losses of KSh 16.5 billion via intelligence operations and increased convictions from 12 to 33. Mohamud illustrated corruption's broader impact, explaining how embezzled public funds for hospitals, roads, bursaries, and university support deprive young people of jobs and prospects. "When billions meant for hospitals are stolen, roads, bursaries, and university funding vanish in private pockets, it is not just money that is stolen, it is the jobs that you were supposed to get as young people," he remarked. Such thefts also prevent school constructions and delay loans to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), eroding hope for an entire generation.
Describing corruption as an immoral act that undermines dignity, trust, and faith in a just society, Mohamud remained hopeful. He affirmed that Kenyan youth represent the solution to this challenge and encouraged their active involvement in anti-corruption efforts.