The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has moved to strengthen its partnership with the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in a renewed effort to promote integrity, ethical leadership and accountability in Kenya.
The proposed collaboration seeks to harness the Church's extensive grassroots network to promote ethical values, particularly among young people, and encourage citizens to reject corruption.
The initiative was discussed during a consultative meeting between EACC officials and representatives of the SDA Church, East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC).
EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde said corruption remained a major obstacle to Kenya's development, undermining service delivery, eroding public confidence in institutions and weakening the values that hold society together.
Dr Oginde said the fight against corruption could not be left to the government and investigative agencies alone, arguing that religious institutions had an important role in shaping citizens' behaviour.
He observed that the Church's nationwide presence and diverse membership gave it an opportunity to influence positive social change across generations.
"The fight against corruption requires a collective effort," he said, emphasising the need for faith-based organisations to take an active role in promoting integrity.
Representing EACC Chief Executive Officer, Director of Investigations FCPA John Lolkoloi reaffirmed the commission's commitment to establishing structured partnerships with religious institutions through their umbrella organisations.
SDA Church East Kenya Union Conference President Pastor Dr Joel Okindo welcomed the proposed collaboration, saying the Church was ready to work with the commission in nurturing a society anchored on honesty and accountability.
Pastor Okindo said particular attention would be given to young people through mentorship programmes designed to prepare them to become responsible citizens.
He said the Church would build on its existing youth mentorship initiatives to instil integrity and ethical values among the younger generation.
Under the proposed partnership, the two institutions plan to empower young people to become champions of integrity, promote responsible citizenship and equip religious leaders with the knowledge and capacity to advocate for accountability and ethical leadership.
They also intend to encourage community conversations on integrity, good governance and the responsibility of citizens in combating corruption.
The engagement comes amid growing recognition of the role religious institutions can play in addressing social challenges beyond their traditional spiritual mandate.
EACC has previously engaged other major religious organisations, including the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), as part of efforts to build a broader coalition against corruption.
The latest engagement with the SDA Church is expected to expand these efforts by bringing faith-based leadership, youth mentorship and community mobilisation into the country's anti-corruption campaign.
