Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church have raised concerns over integrity, ethical conduct, and responsible citizenship across Kenya, noting that corruption remains a major stumbling block to the country’s development.

Speaking during a consultative meeting, EACC Chairperson Dr. David Oginde said it is time to support collaboration, recognize the vital role faith-based organizations play in shaping societal values, and foster a culture of integrity.

“The Commission is committed to building stronger, more structured partnerships with faith-based organizations through their respective umbrella bodies,” EACC Director of Investigations, FCPA John Lolkoloi, who represented Dr. Oginde, said.

While corruption damages service delivery, public trust, and social cohesion, he stressed that fighting the vice requires a collective effort. He noted that the Church is an important partner in influencing positive behavior and promoting ethical values. With its wide following and established presence in communities nationwide, the Church is said to be well-positioned to reach people across generations and backgrounds.

President of the SDA Church, East Kenya Union Conference (EKUC), Pastor Dr. Joel Okindo, welcomed the proposed partnership and expressed the church’s readiness to promote integrity.

Dr. Okindo noted that the Church is particularly keen to engage and mentor young people to become responsible citizens, building on its existing youth mentorship initiatives.

“The proposed areas of collaboration include empowering young people to become champions of integrity, promoting responsible citizenship, equipping religious leaders with the knowledge and capacity to champion accountability and ethical leadership, and encouraging community conversations on integrity and good governance,” Okindo said.

The engagement forms part of EACC’s efforts to build partnerships with religious institutions in the fight against corruption. The agency has previously held engagements with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya and the National Council of Churches of Kenya.