I have been troubled by the lack of development in Africa. I left a chance of staying in Europe because my heart was with Africa. I was devastated when I realized that if we continued to depend solely on politicians and the government, the pervasive corruption in the system would not allow us to achieve the development we desperately need. The youth, including myself, are in dire need of change. We require not just to be heard, but to be allowed to come together and build something of our own collectively on the foundations of Integrity and accountability (an informed economic movement).

As youth, we can collectively do something about the high level of unemployment in Kenya. This petition is written to propose that much-needed solution so that the Ministry of Youth Affairs can play its part in lifting the hands of the youth up. I petition Fikirini Jacobs Katoi Kahindi, Principal Secretary - State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy in the Ministry of Youth Affairs to facilitate the coming together of youth from different Kenyan universities and colleges to form the  'The Foundation for Integrity Kenya', a foundation that can power the implementation of collective youth-led projects and integrity education across all educational institutions like universities, colleges,  high schools and Primary Schools in Kenya.

With over 35 million people in Kenya being under the age of 35 years of age, the youth can champion the next move towards growth and equity more than any other age group. What we need is the chance, integrity and a little support. Whilst there are other funding avenues like the Youth Fund, The Hustler Fund, and Women Enterprise Fund, among others, there still remains a gap for an organization that will not entirely depend on the government for its funding, but also give the youth power to raise funds and do national-level projects in unity.

The youths have the capacity to fund their own projects and also seek funding from non-governmental players to do large-scale projects. What lacks is political goodwill, support and accountability? Can the youth be accountable?  You may ask. At least let us give them a chance to prove themselves.

With the foundation, we can also facilitate the development of Integrity Champions Clubs across the country to ensure the next crop of leaders is equipped with Integrity.

The Integrity Champions Clubs program, powered by the foundation, will aim to raise a generation of young men and women with the integrity and capacity required to do exploits and help our nation meet its development goals. 

This is because unity of purpose, concentration of effort and resources, together with proper formation and alignment that reduces friction and conflict in the implementation of public projects, is key in quick development. By establishing Integrity Champions clubs, recruiting and training integrity champions in high schools, primary schools, colleges,  universities and work places, the foundation will provide a platform for youth to develop the required integrity and capacity for them to develop that aligned quality network of self-driven individuals which is required to concentrate effort and resources for quick and efficient growth of our communities and nation.

Some of the program goals of the foundation through the clubs would include:
1. Building the integrity and capacity required for transformative leadership
2. Giving youth hope and direction
3. Nurturing a confident, structured, vibrant, and result-oriented leadership network among the youth with a track record of successful exploits (implemented projects).
4. Practically show the youth that they have what it takes to begin changing their institutions, communities and nations now in a positive and cohesive way without waiting to do it later.
5. Saturate our institutions, communities and social media with result-oriented and solution-based conversations and proof of commitment to growth.

The Benefits of doing this will include:
1. Development of leadership skills like public speaking and character.
2. Development of integrity and unity among the young
3. Development of the capacity to do massive projects through cooperation
3. Provision of encouragement for positive change and community engagement
5. Restoration of the spirit of ‘unity, trust and respect’ in our communities and among the young.
6. Provision of a system of evaluating the character of individual based on their involvement and performance in the club. Employers and the public can know whom to trust with leadership positions in the future.
7. Through the foundation and the Integrity clubs, the youth will be given a chance to put their creativity and energy to proper use without wasting
resources.

If this foundation is formed, it means no one will be left behind. From the youth in a job position to those in a primary school, they will all get a chance to participate in the development of the nation actively.

This petition is not just for the youth but for the parents hoping to raise patriotic and responsible children in a nation where everyone cares for the other.

If only 8 million of us gave Kes 50 shillings a week towards forming a new company, that would amount to 400 million shillings for one specific project to be done immediately, entirely under youth oversight. So, I would like to urge the Ministry of Youth Affairs to establish this foundation and place it entirely in the hands of the youth, allowing them to collaboratively decide on the national projects they wish to undertake, raise the necessary funds, and implement the projects.

We need shared goals (actual, implementable shared goals we can implement every week) with our leaders announcing weekly projects for which we can raise funds and finish. We can go county by county. Within one year, we will have built a number of companies and employed many Kenyan youth across all counties by coming together.

This foundation would serve as a platform for the youth to channel funds towards private and collective projects aimed at job creation. By empowering the youth with the necessary resources to undertake these initiatives, we can foster economic growth and development in Kenya.

A foundation like this could serve as a beacon of hope and integrity, providing the youth with the means to create job opportunities for themselves. This initiative would not only advance Kenya's economy but also restore decency and integrity within our communities.

The youth are the backbone of our nation, and it is imperative that we invest in their potential. By supporting this cause, you contribute to building a stronger, more cohesive society where the youth have the opportunity to thrive.

Support the formation of the Foundation for Integrity Kenya to create a brighter, more sustainable future for our youth and our nation. Please sign this petition to make this vision a reality.