Integrity Clubs will be launched at various institutions of higher learning in Makueni County in an effort to nurture a generation of ethical and responsible students to become leaders in the country.
The revelations were made by the Executive Director for Partnership for Transformation and Development (PTD), Joseph Kioko, at the Red Cross Hall in Wote town, Makueni Subcounty.
Kioko disclosed that the programme will be implemented jointly with Makueni Youth Network (MYN) and PTD and targeted students at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Makueni, Mbuvo and Makindu Campuses, Makueni University College (MUC) and Wote Technical Training Institute (WTTI).
The executive Director also observed that students will be taught how to fight corruption in universities, their homes and the community at large.
“We are working with higher learning institutions in the county to form integrity clubs that will shape students to become responsible leaders. We will also inculcate the youths to fight corruption hence make them accountable and transparent and become leaders in the future,” said Kioko during a one-day training.
The participants were drawn from Wote Technical Training Institute, Makueni and Makindu KMTCs and civil society members.
The programme is being funded by the European Union and Kass Kenya, which was initiated in 2023 and will run until 2027 and is being implemented in 11 counties, including Makueni.
The programme is being carried out under the umbrella of Makueni Civil Society in the county and are also implementers of the programme.
Kioko revealed that they will draw up a plan with the institutions on how they will engage the youths in the coming days.
Speaking at the same event, the Coordinator and Executive Director for Makueni Youth Network said that they will use the anti-corruption Manual to establish the integrity clubs across the higher learning institutions in the county.
“Students will be taught about governance, integrity and leadership, values to enable them become good citizens who are dependable in the society,” said Ndeto.
On his part, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) George Lugo said it was imperative for all stakeholders to fight corruption saying it was to blame for the poor development in several areas in the country.
Lugo who is also the personal Assistant in the county commissioner’s office, challenged the civil society to point out government departments that they feel are not serving wananchi with a view to take action and correct the anomaly.
“There is need to shame the institutions doing badly while serving wananchi. Pressure the institutions, we have to make things work,” he reiterated.
Addressing the same function, Makueni County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa urged them to be honest while executing their duties whether in private or public so that you can be trusted in the community you serve.
“If you cannot be a person of integrity no need to be in the civil society or public offices. You should set standards to enable you serve wananchi better,” said Kyumwa.
By Patrick Nyakundi
