A generation expected to champion integrity is increasingly being drawn into corruption. Across many societies, and particularly in Kenya, corruption is no longer seen only as a vice associated with political leaders and public officials.
For many young people struggling to survive in a difficult economic environment, it is slowly becoming normalised as a shortcut to opportunity, influence, and success. Yet this growing acceptance of corruption threatens not only the future of young people, but also the future of society itself.
Corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges facing the world today. It slows development, weakens institutions, undermines public trust, and deepens inequality.
While older generations have long been criticised for perpetuating corrupt systems, there is growing concern that young people are increasingly becoming participants rather than opponents of corruption.
One major reason for youth involvement in corruption is unemployment and the rising cost of living. In Kenya, many young people complete their education with hopes of securing meaningful employment, only to encounter limited opportunities and fierce competition.
In some cases, job seekers are even asked to pay bribes to secure positions that should be awarded fairly. Faced with financial pressure and uncertainty, some young people begin to view corruption not as a moral failure, but as a survival strategy.
At the same time, the desire for quick wealth and social status has become a powerful driving force. Social media has intensified this pressure by portraying wealth as the primary measure of success.
Young people are constantly exposed to luxury lifestyles and extravagant displays of affluence, creating unrealistic expectations about achievement. This culture of instant gratification often breeds impatience and pushes some into illegal activities such as financial scams, commonly referred to locally as wash wash, in pursuit of easy money.
Beyond economic pressure and social influence, peer groups also shape behaviour in significant ways. Many young people feel compelled to fit into certain social circles, and when corruption is normalised within those spaces, participation can easily follow. The fear of exclusion or appearing unsuccessful may drive individuals to compromise their values simply to gain acceptance.
Weak institutions and inconsistent accountability further fuel the problem. When individuals engage in corrupt practices without facing meaningful consequences, it sends the message that corruption is acceptable and even rewarding.
In Kenya, many political leaders linked to corruption scandals continue to retain both the proceeds of corruption and the influence that comes with them. Such realities create the dangerous perception that dishonesty leads to success while integrity offers little reward.
Politics also contributes significantly to the normalisation of corruption among the youth. During election periods, young people are frequently offered money, gifts, or favours in exchange for political support.
Repeated exposure to such practices conditions many to believe that leadership and success are tied to personal gain rather than service, accountability, and merit.
Even so, there are encouraging efforts aimed at confronting corruption and restoring public trust. One of the most important strategies has been the recovery of assets acquired through corrupt means.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has, in recent years, intensified efforts to trace, recover, and return illegally acquired public assets and funds. Asset recovery not only deprives corrupt individuals of the benefits of their actions but also sends a strong message that corruption should never be profitable.
These efforts deserve greater public support, particularly from young people. Recovering stolen land, money, and property helps restore resources that can be redirected towards public services such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment programmes.
Asset recovery also reinforces the principle that public resources belong to citizens and must be protected for the common good. Supporting institutions that pursue accountability is therefore an essential step towards building a culture of integrity.
Addressing youth involvement in corruption ultimately requires a collective effort. The government must prioritise job creation and economic empowerment programmes to reduce the financial pressures that push many young people towards corruption.
Expanding employment opportunities and vocational training can provide young people with dignified alternatives and renewed hope for the future.
Equally important is the role of education. Schools should strengthen ethics and integrity education by emphasising values such as honesty, responsibility, and accountability alongside academic achievement.
Young people must be equipped not only with professional skills but also with strong moral foundations capable of guiding their decisions.
Parents and communities also have a critical responsibility in shaping values. Families are the first social institutions where virtues are learned, and parents play an important role in teaching integrity and responsible conduct.
Community leaders, religious institutions, and mentors should reinforce these values by providing guidance and positive role models.
In addition, anti-corruption laws must be enforced firmly, fairly, and consistently. Those involved in corruption should face consequences regardless of their social status or political influence. Equal application of the law is necessary to restore confidence in public institutions and discourage impunity.
Most importantly, young people themselves must become active participants in the fight against corruption. Through civic engagement, awareness campaigns, and advocacy for accountability, they can help transform society and reject the culture of shortcuts and impunity.
The fight against corruption will not be won in courtrooms alone, but
also in the everyday choices young people make about honesty, responsibility,
and the kind of society they wish to build.
Edgar Hawi is a Lawyer and a youth leadership advocate
