By Shirley Jemeli,
Corruption remains one of Kenya’s most persistent challenges, draining public resources, weakening institutions, and eroding public trust. From inflated procurement deals to mismanaged public funds, the cost is often borne by Kenyans from all walks of life who are denied access to quality healthcare, education, and other essential services. The frustration is palpable: bribes demanded for services that should be free, leaders escaping accountability, and a culture of impunity that undermines national progress.
In the face of this reality, citizens are finding dynamic ways to resist and reclaim their voice. Beyond simply complaining about corruption, communities are organising at the grassroots, leveraging social media, art, public forums, and civic education to push for transparency. Youth groups are using theatre and music to spark conversations, civil society organisations are mobilising public campaigns, and ordinary Kenyans are increasingly speaking out about their lived experiences. Civic movements and people-driven initiatives are becoming crucial platforms for raising awareness, mobilising communities, and holding leaders to account. Among these, the Integrity Walkathon has emerged as one of the most visible and unifying symbols of that fight, a rallying call to stand against corruption and step forward for a more transparent Kenya.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, more than 5,000 Kenyans are expected to join the Integrity Walkathon, an annual event organised by Transparency International Kenya (TI-Kenya). This year’s theme, “Stepping Forward for Transparency & Accountability,” reinforces the urgent need to confront graft while empowering citizens to demand accountability. The 8‑kilometre walk will begin at Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park, and will run alongside the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), underscoring the role of information as a cornerstone of democracy.
““The Integrity Walkathon is not just about walking, it is about reclaiming our right to honest leadership and transparent governance,” ”
Street Edition: Integrity on the Move
On September 10, 2025, The Youth Café, in partnership with Transparency International Kenya (TI-Kenya), carried out a Street Edition activity to capture authentic, unfiltered public sentiment on integrity and corruption. The exercise was simple but powerful: conduct short interviews with Kenyans from all walks of life in their everyday environments and hear directly from them what integrity and accountability mean in their lives.
Citizens gave their views on what integrity, honesty, truth and justice mean to them personally: “Integrity to me is doing the right thing even when no one is watching,” said Jack Ngari, a trader. They spoke about the small actions individuals can take to fight corruption: “It starts with refusing to pay kitu kidogo, however minor it seems,” noted Dennis Mwambua, a conductor. Some shared whether they have ever been forced to pay a bribe for services that should be free and how that made them feel: “I had to pay to get my ID card, it was humiliating,” recalled a salesman. Others reflected on the biggest challenges to transparency and accountability in Kenya today: “People fear speaking out because they think nothing will change,” observed a boda boda rider. Finally, they expressed what it means to see fellow citizens uniting on September 27 at Uhuru Park to demand integrity and action against corruption: “It gives me hope that if we walk together, leaders will hear us,” said Lydia Njoki, a vendor.
This approach served a crucial purpose: it moved the conversation beyond official statements and into the personal experiences of individuals. The resulting interviews became the heart of the campaign, putting a human face on the abstract issue of corruption and demonstrating that the call for integrity is not just a policy concern, but a deeply personal plea from the people. In doing so, the "Street Edition" successfully gathered the narratives that would fuel the walkathon's purpose, making it a truly grassroots event driven by the voices of the Kenyan public.
“We created the ‘Street Edition’ to ensure the Integrity Walkathon is fueled by the authentic voices of everyday Kenyans. Our goal wasn’t just to gather a crowd; it was to gather the stories and personal experiences that prove why this fight matters. The walk is a powerful symbol, but the real power comes from the collective, unfiltered voices we heard on the streets.”
Take the First Step: Join the Integrity Walkathon 2025
Corruption is a silent thief, robbing Kenyans of their dignity, their livelihoods, and their future. It's the bribe you're forced to pay for a service that should be free, the funds stolen from public coffers that should have built a school or a hospital, and the impunity that allows those responsible to walk free. But the fight isn't over. The power to reclaim our nation lies in our hands, and it begins with a single step. The voices gathered through the Street Edition remind us that Kenyans from all walks of life are ready to speak out, to act, and to demand better.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, join Transparency International Kenya, The Youth Cafe and other partners for the Integrity Walkathon, 2025 edition. This isn't just a walk; it's a powerful, collective statement by thousands of Kenyans who refuse to be silent. It's a peaceful march for justice, a unified call for accountability, and a powerful demonstration that we are Stepping Forward for Transparency & Accountability.
Every footstep taken in the integrity walkathon is a step toward a corruption-free Kenya. Your participation sends an undeniable message to leaders and institutions that we demand integrity. It shows that the frustrations and stories of the "Street Edition" interviews are shared by thousands, and that we are ready to turn our collective voices into action.
Your participation also directly supports TI-Kenya's vital work, funding critical initiatives like whistleblower protection, civic education, and legal aid for victims of corruption. By walking with us, you are becoming an integral part of the solution.
How You Can Take Action
The time for change is now. Take the first step by joining us for the Integrity Walkathon.
Walk with Us: Register your team, organization, or yourself to walk the 8-kilometer route from Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park. Your presence is your pledge.
Fund the Fight: Can't walk? You can still make a difference. Every contribution fuels the work of anti-corruption champions.
Amplify the Message: Share this call to action with your family, friends, and on your social media using the hashtags #IntegrityWalk2025 and #StepForwardKE.
Join us on September 27th and become a part of a movement that is reclaiming Kenya’s future, one step at a time. Let's walk the talk together.