I have seen the energy and zeal Babu Owino has put in realising the long promised dream of leaders of tomorrow but allow me retaliate that, Kenya a nation teeming with youthful energy and ambition, has long harborer the aspiration of electing a young, dynamic leader to the highest office.
The dream of a youthful president resonates deeply, reflecting a desire for fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a leader who truly understands the challenges and aspirations of the majority. However, the path towards realizing this dream is fraught with challenges, potentially delaying its realization for decades.
The Promise of Youthful Leadership;
The potential benefits of a youthful president are undeniable. A younger leader like Babu, Leo, Sifuna, Ndindi Nyoro or Kasmuel is likely to be more attuned to the needs of the youth, who constitute a significant portion of the Kenyan population.
They can bring a fresh approach to governance, leveraging technology and innovative strategies to address long-standing issues such as unemployment, corruption, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. Moreover, a youthful president can inspire a new generation of leaders and foster a sense of national pride and unity.
Challenges on the Path to Power;
Despite the potential, several significant challenges stand in the way of a youthful Kenyan president. These obstacles, if not addressed effectively, could postpone the realisation of this dream for years to come and 2022 is not going to be different maybe post 2032 based on how fast we will address these pending issues that stand before youthful leadership.
- Lack of a Defined Agenda:
Many young politicians struggle to articulate a clear and compelling vision for the country. Often, they lack concrete policy proposals and a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing Kenya. This makes it difficult for them to gain the trust and confidence of voters, especially older generations who value experience and proven track records. Look at the madman of Mumias East Hon. Peter Kalerwa Salasya can you for Godsake identify with his agenda or what he is agitating or stands for if not fumbling with fame and street comedy?
2; Insufficient Funds:
Political campaigns in Kenya are notoriously expensive. Young aspirants often lack the financial resources to compete effectively with established politicians who have access to vast networks of wealthy donors and patronage systems. This financial disadvantage limits their ability to reach voters, build strong campaign teams, and effectively disseminate their message. When I see Morara Kebaso hoping to beg and walk around with a begging bowl to oil presidential campaign it’s obvious he will crush or be someone’s puppet.
- Incumbency Advantage & Entrenched Political Elites: Incumbents often wield significant power and resources, making it difficult for newcomers to challenge their positions. Established political families like Odinga’s, Moi’s, Ruto’s, Kenyatta’s and Wamunyoro’s and ethnic dynasties continue to dominate the political landscape, perpetuating a system that favours the well-connected and experienced over fresh, youthful faces. That is why those who want to make it in Central must visit Wamunyoro altar, Odinga shrine in Nyanza and other small political gods in the offing.
- Voter Apathy and Cynicism:
A significant portion of the Kenyan youth population is disengaged from the political process, often due to disillusionment with corruption, broken promises, and a lack of tangible improvements in their lives. This apathy translates into low voter turnout among young people, hindering the prospects of youthful candidates who rely on their support. These youths will make online, create memes and wait for results, they have not time to line up for 4 hours just to cast a vote.
Decades of Delay?
The combined effect of these challenges creates a formidable barrier to entry for youthful presidential candidates. Without addressing these fundamental issues, the dream of a youthful president could remain just that – a dream – for decades to come. Systemic changes are needed to level the playing field, empower young politicians, and encourage greater youth participation in the political process.
What should be The Path Forward for these youthful aspirants:
Several steps can be taken to accelerate the journey towards a youthful president before the chest thumb and wants slogans that are just mere cliches that will not make sense towards the 2027 elections. First things first, dear youthful aspirants kindly;
- Promote Political Education:
Civic education programs can empower young people with the knowledge and skills to participate effectively in the political process. - Reform Campaign Finance Laws:
Implementing stricter regulations on campaign financing can create a fairer playing field for all candidates and those youthful Mps already in parliament can work on this without much noise. - Encourage Youth Leadership Development: Investing in leadership training programs can equip young politicians with the skills and experience they need to lead effectively.
- Foster Intergenerational Dialogue:
Creating platforms for dialogue between young and older generations can help bridge the gap and build trust you can’t be talking of youths and demonising the old. We need all to make it after all this country belongs to all ages so making it appear a Gen-z affair is shooting on the foot. - Advocate for Constitutional Reform:
Reforms to the constitution and electoral system can promote greater inclusivity and representation of youth in politics. For the 1992 breakthrough we all know the role reforms played, James Orengo can give the youth a blue print on this.
By tackling these challenges head-on, Kenya can create an environment that empowers young people to pursue their political ambitions and ultimately realise the dream of a youthful president. However, this requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders – government, civil society, the private sector, and the youth themselves – to create a more inclusive and democratic society not chest thumbing, slogging and unnecessary negative energy.
Leo Nyabaya (African Pope)
Educator|| Moderator||Generational thinker.
Email; Info@leotv.co.ke
