Page 4 - February 2025 Newsletter

Shattering the Chains of Corruption Through

Youth Engagement

In an era where social media has become a powerful tool for advocacy,
Africa Youth Trust hosted an impactful X chat titled "Shattering the Chains of
Corruption: Empowering Youth for a Just Society." Held on February 28,
2025, the virtual discussion brought together young activists, advocates and
social media users to explore the pressing issue of corruption in Kenya, with
a particular focus on its gendered impacts and the role of youth in driving
anti-corruption efforts.
Why Engage Youth on Social Media?
Kenya’s youthful population is not only tech-savvy but also increasingly
vocal about issues affecting their communities. With over 13 million social
media users in the country as of January 2024, platforms like X provide an
accessible and effective space for raising awareness and mobilizing action.

The youth-led protests of June 2024, sparked by opposition to the
controversial Finance Bill, revealed deep-seated frustrations among young
people. These protests were heavily fueled by social media, particularly X,
where spaces and chats became virtual town halls. Thousands of young
people gathered online to express their frustrations with the country’s
governance and public service delivery. This digital activism demonstrated
the power of social media as a tool for organizing, mobilizing as well as
amplifying youth voices.

Our X chat aimed to leverage this digital engagement to amplify young
voices, particularly those of young women, in the fight against corruption. As
@AngelMishi, a participant in the chat, pointed out, “Corruption is eroding
key sectors essential for the country’s economic growth. Some of these
sectors are heavily dependent on young women and contribute to achieving
SDG 5.” This points to the critical need to involve youth in anti-corruption
efforts, as they are both directly affected by and uniquely positioned to Highlights from the X chat on Shattering the Chains of Corruption Through Youth
challenge corrupt practices. Engagement, where participants shared insights on combating corruption.
Youth-Led Insights on Corruption Recent Wins in Anti-Corruption Efforts
The discussion was structured around several key themes, each shedding Despite the challenges, participants celebrated recent victories in the fight
light on different aspects of corruption and its impact on vulnerable against corruption. Cases such as the incarceration of former Kiambu Governor
populations, particularly women and young girls. Here are some of the Ferdinand Waititu and the ruling on the National Government Constituency
standout contributions from participants: Development Fund (NGCDF) were highlighted as significant steps forward.
These successes serve as a reminder that accountability is possible when
Impact of Corruption on Women and Young Girls citizens and institutions work together.
Participants emphasized how corruption disproportionately affects women
and young girls, limiting their access to essential services such as education, Next Steps in Curbing Corruption
healthcare, and justice. Mercy Juangr, a participant in the chat, noted, The conversation concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for
“Corruption significantly impacts vulnerable populations, especially young practical steps to combat corruption. Millie Akinyi, another participant,
girls. It steals opportunities in critical sectors like education and health and suggested, “First, do away with all corrupt individuals in institutions, then
reduces access to justice, particularly for young women.” This sentiment advocate for non-governmental interference in cases. Last, advocate for more
was echoed by the Young Urban Women Mombasa movement, which funds.” Participants also stressed the importance of holding leaders
highlighted how “public funds being channeled into personal interests leave accountable and reviewing quarterly implementation reports to ensure
the delivery of public services, especially in sectors relied on by women and transparency.
young girls, in a poor state.”
Why This Matters
County-Level Corruption The X chat is a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action. At AFRICA Youth Trust,
The chat also delved into corruption at the county level, with participants we understand the dynamic nature of social media and believe the
sharing specific examples of mismanagement and favoritism. Celsa conversation will continue to grow. By tagging key stakeholder accounts and
Chorogeli from Kilifi County pointed out, “Kilifi County depicts a clear engaging a wide audience, we’ve ensured that the discussion extends beyond
definition of favoritism and tribalism, with 79% of the staff coming from one the platform itself. This initiative is fostering a generation of informed and
dominant community, contrary to the National Cohesion and Integration Act empowered advocates who can carry the conversation forward. As Eva Nduati
2008.” Similarly, Lucy Wanja highlighted the mismanagement of funds in from Kwale County noted, “Most of these projects, if completed, would allow
Tana River County, where “KSh 344 million was wasted on foreign travel youths to fully participate in the economy of the county. However, they remain
while critical projects like Madogo Water Supply and Chamwanamuma ECD incomplete due to corruption,” demonstrating the importance of sustained
remain stalled.” efforts to address corruption and its far-reaching impacts.