The Role of Youth in Shaping Kenya’s Future: A Call for Transparent Governance and Active Citizen Engagement

 

As a young Kenyan, I’ve grown increasingly aware of the pivotal role that government communication and citizen engagement play in our lives. Reflecting on our country’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized how essential effective, transparent communication is, especially in moments of crisis. The term “fellow Kenyans” has become an almost iconic phrase, reminiscent of the pandemic updates that informed us about health guidelines and case numbers. Those updates, often delivered by high-ranking officials, became part of our daily routines, calming our anxieties and keeping us grounded. I remember feeling both comforted and empowered by knowing what was happening and what was expected of us as citizens. That experience underscored the importance of having leaders who communicate clearly and honestly, especially when lives are at stake.

But beyond crisis management, it became evident that effective communication should be a continuous part of governance. The pandemic showed us that when people are informed and feel included in government decisions, there’s a stronger sense of trust and cooperation. Now, more than ever, I see that Kenya needs this level of open communication not just in emergencies but in every area of public policy. Whether it’s discussing budget allocations, tax proposals, or community health initiatives, citizens deserve to know why certain decisions are made and how those decisions will impact their lives.

I’m particularly passionate about the role of young people in shaping governance. Growing up, I saw many of my peers express disinterest in politics, feeling that it was a distant, often corrupt field that had little to do with their everyday lives. However, recent events have sparked a powerful wave of political awareness among Kenya’s youth. It’s inspiring to see more young Kenyans realize that politics directly affects their access to opportunities, their cost of living, and their overall quality of life. I believe that our generation is beginning to understand that we have both the right and the responsibility to hold our leaders accountable.

One of the areas where this awakening is most needed is in our taxation policies. The recent tax proposals have sparked a lot of debate, especially among young people who are just starting their careers. Many of us feel burdened by taxes that don’t seem to directly benefit us. We want transparency in how our tax money is used. If we knew that our taxes were funding job creation, affordable healthcare, or better infrastructure, we might feel less frustrated. But too often, we are left in the dark, with little information on how these policies will help improve our lives. For example, while there are discussions around tax hikes, there’s hardly any clear communication on how this additional revenue will translate into tangible benefits for the average Kenyan. This lack of transparency leads to disillusionment and fuels the sentiment that the government isn’t truly listening to us.

Our government also needs to address the disconnect between national priorities and the actual needs of its citizens. For instance, while the government might focus on macroeconomic policies, what many young Kenyans need are practical job opportunities, affordable housing, and access to quality healthcare. One way to bridge this gap is by involving citizens more actively in the decision-making process. Public hearings and forums are a good start, but these need to be more than mere formalities. I believe that real engagement means listening to people’s concerns, not just hearing them out. It means considering our input when setting policies that impact us directly.

This is where community-based health systems, for instance, could make a real difference. I’ve seen communities that lack basic healthcare facilities and health workers struggle during the pandemic and beyond. Strengthening these community-based systems could improve healthcare access for many Kenyans. However, for this approach to work, it must truly be community-centered and focus on a bottom-up strategy, where the needs of the community drive policy, not the other way around. By empowering local health workers and focusing on preventative care, we could address health issues at their roots rather than relying solely on centralized interventions.

The role of young people in politics is something I feel very strongly about. Recently, I’ve seen more young Kenyans take an active stance on political issues, using social media and other platforms to raise awareness and mobilize action. This new generation of politically aware citizens has the potential to create meaningful change in our country. But we need support systems to sustain this engagement. Young people who want to run for office or influence policy should have access to mentorship, resources, and platforms where they can learn and grow. This isn’t just about encouraging political participation; it’s about nurturing informed, ethical, and capable future leaders who will make decisions with the people’s best interests at heart.

There’s also an urgent need to elevate the quality of political discourse in our country. Too often, political debates are reduced to personal attacks or shallow arguments that do little to address the real issues facing our nation. When discussing crucial policies like the finance bill, we should focus on how these measures will create jobs, improve services, and address long-standing challenges like unpaid government debts to small businesses. By fostering a culture of constructive dialogue and debate, we can begin to address the root causes of our challenges rather than merely treating their symptoms.

Reflecting on these issues, I’m reminded of the quote by Martin Luther King Jr., “The time is always right to do what is right.” For us as young Kenyans, the time to engage is now. We have the power to shape our future, and it’s up to us to demand a government that listens to us, represents our interests, and acts with transparency and integrity. Our voices, when united, are powerful enough to drive change, and I’m hopeful that this new wave of political consciousness will lead to a brighter, more equitable Kenya.

Lastly, I believe that we, as young Kenyans, are witnessing a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. The journey ahead may be challenging, but by remaining informed, engaged, and united, we can overcome any obstacle. We have the responsibility to participate actively in governance, not just for ourselves but for the generations that will follow. Kenya’s future depends on the decisions we make today, and I, for one, am ready to contribute to a more just, transparent, and prosperous nation.