In 2022, while pursuing his Master of Laws at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, Simon Mungai received training as part of the UNODC Global Integrity Education project. This project aimed to equip young graduates with ethical mindsets as they embark on their careers in the private sector, empowering them to become champions of ethical business practices. After his participation in the project, Simon became a member of the licensing board within the Nairobi City County government, where he received numerous reports from business traders about corruption in the licensing process. Thanks to the education and values instilled in him by the UNODC Global Integrity Education project training, Simon convinced his fellow board members to take up the corruption reports and presented a case before the public accounts committee of the county assembly. This led to an investigation that uncovered embezzlement, fraud and extortion by county officials in the licensing process, which had cost the county millions.
For their role in uncovering corrupt practices, Simon and his colleagues faced threats and lawsuits, and were illegally dismissed from the board. They remained determined despite these attempts to silence them, and in June 2023, the public accounts committee of the national assembly found five county officials guilty of misusing funds and recommended their prosecution. The County Governor responded by removing the officials from their office pending their prosecution, significantly improving the licensing board's operations.
Through the UNODC Global Integrity Education project, Simon and his colleagues also established the Ethics Ambassadors Network Kenya, which thrives at over 20 local universities. Simon acknowledged, “Seeing my fellow youth take great interest in integrity matters and adopt the mantra ‘It's cool to have integrity’ has been incredibly rewarding. Witnessing young minds embrace ethical values and champion integrity in their communities has been a source of immense pride and motivation.”
Inspired by his experiences, Simon Mungai founded Mwangi Mungai Law Advocates, specializing in public interest litigation. Establishing this practice has enabled him to directly pursue justice and uphold his values of integrity. Through his practice, he has championed numerous cases, advocating for the rights of young people and the marginalized, and combating systemic injustices.
