Many young Kenyans are hesitant to join major political parties because they feel their voices are not heard and believe these parties no longer represent their values or interests.

Advocate and Public Administration expert Lenah Mati says this disconnect has left youth searching for alternatives where they can participate meaningfully in politics.

During an interview on Radio Generation, Mati shared that she herself is currently not affiliated with any political party as she continues to look for one that truly aligns with her beliefs.

“Myself, I’m still scouting for a good political party, and I’ll begin from the beginning,” she said on Friday. She explained that young people feel many established parties make deals behind closed doors, often leaving the youth without real influence.

“If we joined a political party, they would just go to the table and negotiate, probably with the regime, and then us, the young people, just be left with nothing,” the advocate noted.

Lenah Mati described the political landscape for youth as “uncharted territory,” acknowledging that young people are still figuring out the best way forward after last year’s protests against government excesses.

She said many youth are reluctant to join big parties like  Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) and Wiper because they have not seen meaningful reforms or genuine commitment to youth concerns.

However, Mati welcomed the rise of smaller and newer political parties, which she believes offer fresh opportunities for youth to find political homes where their ideas matter.

“What I’m seeing is that there’s an uprising of other smaller parties that are coming up,” she said. She encouraged young people to amplify and support these parties as a way to grow political influence and push for real change. “I don’t have to move with a popular narrative. I just want to do the right thing,” Mati said.