Young People Deserve Power, Not Just Praise

By Geofrey Muhoro

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

For years, politicians have praised young people as the “leaders of tomorrow.”

But that phrase, though flattering, often feels like a polite way of saying: Not yet!

In truth, Kenya’s youth are ready now not just to be led, but to lead.

With over 70% of the population under 35, Kenya is a young country.

Yet walk into Parliament, and it hardly reflects the nation’s demographic. The youth in politics remain underrepresented, often sidelined or seen as too inexperienced.

But times are changing.

Young activists, digital campaigners, and grassroots organizers are stepping up — not through entitlement, but necessity.

They face the consequences of poor governance, unemployment, inflation, climate disasters. For them, politics isn’t theory it’s survival.

The challenge isn’t just about running for office.

It’s about being taken seriously when they do. It’s about reshaping systems to allow fresh voices into rooms long sealed by age, wealth, or political lineage.

What the youth bring isn’t just energy — it’s innovation, urgency, and a new kind of accountability.

They communicate differently, think globally, and organize in ways older generations are still trying to understand.

If Kenya wants real change, it must stop treating youth as a campaign crowd and start seeing them as co-authors of the future. Because leadership isn’t about age — it’s about vision. And the next generation has plenty.