In a big step towards combating corruption and unethical practices in Kenya, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has partnered with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to integrate ethics into the Kenyan education system. This initiative aims to instill strong values in students from an early stage and equip them with tools to navigate life challenges and contribute to a corruption free society.
A Strategic Partnership to Promote Ethical Values
The EACC and KICD partnership was formalized during a strategic meeting held on February 4, 2025 at KICD offices. The meeting was chaired by EACC CEO Abdi Mohamud and Prof. Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo, KICD Director. The discussion focused on innovative ways to embed ethics, integrity and anti-corruption education into Kenya’s curriculum.
“This is part of the Commission’s broader effort to fight corruption and unethical conduct by targeting the formative years of youth development,” said Abdi Mohamud. He said instilling values early in life has a long lasting impact in character formation. This is to cultivate a generation that not only knows the importance of ethical behavior but practices it in their daily lives.
Fighting Corruption Through Value Based Education
The EACC and KICD leaders agreed that the fight against corruption must start with education. Value Based Education which promotes integrity, honesty and accountability was described as a powerful tool to fight corruption and moral decay in society.
By integrating ethics into the national curriculum, the partnership aims to provide Kenyan youth with the knowledge and values to make ethical decisions throughout their lives. It is hoped that this foundation will help students resist corruption as they grow up and take leadership roles in their communities and the country.
Key Areas of Focus in the Partnership
Both parties agreed to focus on the following areas:
- Curriculum Review – Review of the current curriculum to incorporate ethics education at various levels of learning from primary to secondary school, so that students are taught ethical principles relevant to their age and development.
- Development of Integrity Materials – Development of educational resources for different learning stages that will highlight the importance of integrity, accountability and transparency.
- Ethics Education Studies – Research to evaluate the effectiveness of current ethics education and identify areas of improvement so that students are well equipped to uphold ethical standards in their professional and personal lives.
Building the Foundation for Sustainable Change
EACC and KICD CEOs have agreed to cement their partnership to have ethics education become part of the Kenyan education system. Together they will create a framework that will inspire students to value integrity and be tomorrow’s leaders.