Youth leaders call for jobs, readiness to steer Kenya’s future
KANU National Youth Leader Meshack Kiprotich said the youth are already playing a central role in shaping governance and policy.
Kenya’s youth leaders have urged young people to focus on economic empowerment, mental preparedness, and active political participation as key steps toward steering the country’s future.
Giving their views on Radio Generation on Thursday morning, the leaders said the country’s leadership potential lies in its young population, who must be equipped to take charge both now and in the years ahead.
UDA Youth Leader Brian Kipkorir said young people, who make up about 78 percent of the population, are the nation’s driving force but must be prepared in all aspects before taking on greater leadership responsibilities.
“We live in a country where largely is providentially, because of the majority of the youth people, the 78% are the below the age of 35 right? So that is a significant number,” he said.
He stressed that preparation should go beyond politics to include mental and social readiness. He added that financial empowerment through job creation is the most urgent need.
“Once you have the job, yes, it’s easy to sort out the political issue… If people are empowered financially, then now we can say the young people are ready to take this country forward,” he said, adding that poverty continues to hinder the youth’s potential.
KANU National Youth Leader Meshack Kiprotich said the youth are already playing a central role in shaping governance and policy.
“The youth are truly ready to take over leadership mantels in this country. Our country is at crossroads, and we have the youth being the people who are in the forefront oversighting government,” he said.
He noted that no bill or policy passes without the input of young people, who have become active in scrutinizing parliamentary processes. Kiprotich stressed that political participation is essential to transforming the country, including at devolved levels.
“Are the youth leaders for today or tomorrow? I’ll probably say the youth are the leaders for today,” he said.
Both leaders called for a deliberate focus on empowering young people with opportunities, skills, and resources to match their demographic strength with effective leadership.
