Dozens of youth professionals from across Trans Nzoia County convened at Kitale National Polytechnic this week for a powerful sensitization workshop on ethics, integrity, and anti-corruption, a timely initiative spearheaded by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in collaboration with the Department of Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism.

The program aimed to equip young leaders with practical tools and knowledge to champion transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in their communities and workplaces.

“This workshop on ethics and anti-corruption is crucial because it not only informs the youth but also empowers them to become change agents,” said Mr. Gideon Sawe, Deputy County Secretary, who officially opened the event on behalf of the County Secretary.

Dispelling Stereotypes, Encouraging Civic Engagement

Mr. Sawe addressed the common misconception that all government employees are corrupt, emphasizing the role of informed youth in challenging stereotypes and spreading factual awareness.

“Lack of accurate information often leads to damaging stereotypes. We urge the youth to carry these lessons to their communities. Share what you’ve learned and be a bridge for truth and accountability,” he urged.

He encouraged continued participation in such programs, calling on youth to remain engaged through future trainings offered by the county and national institutions.

Creating Ethical Foundations Through Dialogue

Leading the training sessions was Mr. Charles Rasugu, the EACC North Rift Regional Manager, who described the workshop as more than a lecture — but a forum for dialogue.

“This is a space where young people can openly discuss the ills of corruption, share experiences, and reflect on its impact on our society. We’re here to empower them with ethical tools to make sound decisions and stand for integrity,” Rasugu noted.

He also challenged the youth to embrace civic responsibility and become ambassadors of good governance in their neighborhoods.

“Speak up. Promote transparency. Report corruption. This is your fight too,” he emphasized.

Interactive Sessions Inspire Change

The workshop featured interactive discussions and scenario-based learning, facilitated by Youth Officer Mr. John Etori and EACC staff. These sessions offered practical insights into challenges faced by young professionals when navigating ethical dilemmas in real life.

Many attendees expressed a shift in mindset as a result of the training.

“This has opened my eyes. I’ve always thought anti-corruption was just for politicians and senior officials, but now I know it starts with me — with how I carry myself and how I speak out,” said Carolyne Jepchirchir, a youth participant from Kwanza Constituency.

Scaling the Impact Countywide

Organizers revealed plans to replicate the program across all sub-counties in Trans Nzoia, recognizing the youth as key allies in the national anti-corruption agenda.

“We can’t win this fight alone. But with the youth on board, we’re not just hopeful — we’re confident,” Mr. Rasugu affirmed.

The sensitization workshop comes at a time when Kenya’s anti-corruption efforts are increasingly turning to the energy, numbers, and influence of the youth, who form the largest demographic and bear the greatest cost of corruption-driven governance failures.

Building a Generation of Ethical Leaders

The program is part of a broader campaign to build a generation grounded in ethics, ready to lead by example and drive a new narrative of integrity in public and private sectors.

By instilling values of accountability, transparency, and civic duty at the grassroots level, the County Government of Trans Nzoia and EACC are sowing the seeds for a corruption-free future, powered by youth-led transformation.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Youth are vital agents in the fight against corruption.
✔️ Ethics starts at a personal level.
✔️ Open dialogue and knowledge sharing are essential.
✔️ Partnerships between institutions and youth are a catalyst for change.