By Robert Mutasi 
Moi University students have been trained on digital tools for reporting corruption as Transparency International Kenya steps up efforts to involve young people in promoting accountability and integrity.
The sensitisation forum, held at the university’s main campus, brought together members of the Integrity and Debating Clubs, representatives of the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association and officials from Transparency International Kenya.
The training was conducted under the Tusemezane Uwajibikaji Pamoja project and focused on giving students practical knowledge on how to identify, report and follow up cases of corruption and other concerns affecting their communities.
A key focus of the session was the Uwajibikaji Pamoja online platform, which provides a confidential channel for reporting corruption and other community issues.
Transparency International North Rift Regional Coordinator Tom Juma said the initiative is targeting young people because of their large population and their familiarity with digital technology.
Juma said the platform allows members of the public to report concerns while protecting their identities.
“We are in Moi University to engage students on the use of digital tools in reporting corruption and other community issues that they go through,” Juma said.
He said the reporting system is built around confidentiality, timely reporting and prompt action. It also provides mechanisms for follow-up and feedback on reported cases.
Students were also introduced to Action for Transparency tools designed to help citizens access information and participate in efforts to promote accountability.
Ojamu Florence, a Moi University student, said the training had changed her understanding of the role young people can play in fighting corruption.
“It is very timely, especially to us young people. One thing I have learnt today is that there is hope. We can still fight corruption as a generation. We need to join forces and empower ourselves,” she said.
Magdalene Jockey from the School of Education said the platform would give students another avenue to raise concerns and identify problems that require action within their communities.
Moi University Integrity Club President Jackson Elijah said involving young people in accountability programmes would help strengthen their participation in national affairs.
“When young people are involved and when they are brought together, they can cause a change. We are the majority and we are the people Kenya has been waiting for,” Elijah said.
Uasin Gishu Journalists Association representative Naomi Shirias said the decision to engage students was deliberate, arguing that young people have an important role in shaping society’s attitude towards corruption and integrity.
The organisers encouraged students to use the reporting mechanisms responsibly and to avoid remaining silent when they encounter corruption or other forms of wrongdoing.
The initiative seeks to build a generation of young people who understand how to report corruption, demand accountability and participate in efforts to strengthen integrity at the university and in the wider community.