ANNA LEINTE: Integrity - Challenges of raising children in a corrupt society

AI GENERATED PHOTO

The youth are often heralded as the nation’s future, yet nurturing a generation grounded in integrity in Kenya has become increasingly complex.

The allure of shortcuts, peer pressure and societal approval of unethical practices blur the line between right and wrong.

Schools and families, which are traditionally the bedrock of moral instruction, struggle to teach young people the importance of ethics in a culture that often rewards the opposite.

This is because corruption has permeated both public and private institutions, making it difficult to instil values of honesty, accountability and ethical decision-making in children and young adults.

Political scandals, corporate malfeasance and public figures embroiled in ethical breaches send conflicting messages about integrity. Despite constitutional provisions and the establishment of anticorruption bodies like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, corruption still persists.

The new curriculum in our education system, the Competency-Based Curriculum, emphasises values-based education, including integrity, patriotism and responsibility.

This should lay a firm foundation despite the teething problems currently being experienced. It is expected that more robust efforts in teacher training, family engagement and practical applications beyond the classroom will be executed to ensure young people who go through this system uphold these values.

However, it’s imperative to acknowledge that integrity encompasses all aspects of life, from public resource allocation to leadership credibility and economic growth.

Organisations like the EACC, the Ministry of Education, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations and youth groups must work to foster integrity through awareness campaigns, mentorship, characterbuilding programmes and civic education.

One major challenge in promoting integrity is the normalisation of corruption in daily life. Many young Kenyans witness unethical behaviour rewarded while honesty is overlooked.

In schools, cheating during exams is sometimes ignored, setting a dangerous precedent that dishonesty leads to success.

At home, parents, who should be the primary sources of ethical instruction, are often preoccupied with economic survival. Some engage in unethical behaviour, including offering bribes for job opportunities, further complicating children’s understanding of integrity.

Social media, while a powerful learning tool, often exacerbates the problem. Influencers and public figures who flaunt ill-gotten wealth without acknowledging ethical efforts behind genuine success create misleading narratives.

Young people may be tempted to pursue shortcuts instead of valuing hard work and honesty. Schools are crucial in fostering integrity.

Programmes like Integrity Clubs, initiated by the EACC, and books such as the Integrity Readers Series help educate students about honesty, transparency and accountability.

These clubs provide platforms for students to discuss ethical dilemmas, engage in community service and cultivate a sense of social responsibility.

Making civic education a part of the education curriculum can equip students with critical knowledge regarding their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Engaging them in discussions about ethics, governance and civic duties cultivates awareness of integrity. Peer mentorship programmes, where students guide each other in making ethical decisions, also play a crucial role.

While schools are vital, families and communities form the foundation for character development. Parents and guardians must actively model integrity, discourage dishonesty and engage in open dialogue about ethical choices.

These discussions help shape a child’s moral compass and reinforce positive behaviours. Religious institutions also play a significant role.

Many churches, mosques and temples emphasise teachings on honesty and responsibility in youth programmes. These institutions provide a moral framework that counters negative social influences, such as drug abuse, gambling and dishonest practices.

Showcasing young role models who have succeeded without compromising their values is a powerful way to promote integrity.

Organisations like Youth Agenda and Transparency International Kenya mentor young leaders in ethical governance, encouraging them to lead by example.

Youthled initiatives that promote transparency empower young people to take pride in integrity. Storytelling initiatives, such as public speaking competitions, drama, poetry and short film contests, allow young people to express their understanding of integrity creatively.

These platforms highlight real-life stories of individuals who uphold integrity despite challenges, reinforcing that success through honesty is sustainable and rewarding.

Social media, despite its negative influences, can be harnessed to promote integrity. Campaigns like #StopCorruptionKE engage youth in conversations about ethics and accountability.

Influencers and celebrities who actively champion ethical behaviour can help reshape societal narratives, making honesty appealing.

Technology can combat corruption at both individual and institutional levels. E-governance systems, e-citizen platforms and digital banking reduce opportunities for bribery and fraud.

Educating young Kenyans on how technology promotes transparency empowers them to demand ethical standards in public services.

Raising a generation of Kenyans who value integrity over personal gain requires collective effort. While corruption poses significant challenges, opportunities exist to nurture a culture of ethical leadership.

Through education, family involvement, positive role models, technology and transparent governance, Kenya can build a society where integrity thrives.

The battle is complex, but the stakes are too high to be ignored.

Officer with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. The opinions expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of EACC.