As the continent commemorated African Anti-Corruption Day on July 11, 2025, Kenya marked the occasion with renewed calls for transparency, integrity, and citizen empowerment.
Under the continental theme “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanisms: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption,” Kenyan leaders, civil society organizations, and activists echoed one unifying message: it is time to defend dignity and demand accountability.
In Nairobi, anti-corruption stakeholders gathered for a national forum convened by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), where discussions focused on the urgent need to strengthen whistleblower protection laws and foster a culture of openness and civic responsibility.
With Kenya grappling with systemic corruption that spans both public and private institutions, the day served as both a reflection of past failures and a roadmap for future reforms.
EACC Chairperson Bishop David Oginde called for bold action, stressing that “protecting whistleblowers is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative.” He urged Parliament to expedite legislation that would shield whistleblowers from retaliation, intimidation, or loss of livelihood, a key barrier that has kept many potential informants silent.
Meanwhile, citizen groups held public engagements across the country, with powerful messages such as “Ufisadi Sio Destiny” (Corruption is not our destiny) trending across social media. Youth-led movements also participated in digital campaigns urging young people to be active defenders of integrity in their communities.
Kenya’s 2025 Anti-Corruption Day came at a time of heightened public scrutiny over government spending and procurement practices. From inflated tenders to ghost projects, citizens continue to question whether their taxes are being used to serve the public good or private greed.
As the country looks ahead, the message from this year’s observance is clear: corruption not only robs Kenyans of resources, it erodes dignity. And in the fight for accountability, every voice counts.
