Do youth stand a chance?

The importance of investing in young people is summarized in the following excerpt from a World Bank Social Development Paper ‘Investing in Youth Empowerment and Inclusion’ (World Bank, 2004c) “Everywhere from Kabul to Nairobi to Tirana, young people desire more access not just to job opportunities, but to a better quality of life, including leisure, information and entertainment. Everywhere, they resent being marginalized in decision-making processes and are eager to have greater control over their lives. Unless these gaps are addressed, conflict, violence, and a missed generation for global development will be the costs of neglect that more developed societies will also pay one way or another…”

With that in mind, it is prudent that the young people of Kenya create opportunities that enhance their probability to living their dreams. With a cultural vibrancy that is characterized by creativity, resource and market, the youth can achieve personal, social and economic freedom they ardently fight for and in turn, grow the country into a stable homeland of opportunities and hope.

Today, at this particular moment, with a new global culture characterized by technology, innovation and new media, we must use these tools not just for socialization but for greater purposes; to bridge social differences, build nations, advance economic growth, promote democracy and political stability. With that, as a nation, we will be on the right path of history; a path which will be defined by values, morals, attitude, aptitude and energy.

The realization that to address the issues affecting the nation, the youth have to be part of the change, part of the solution, numerous opportunities for engagement have been availed for the Kenyan youth on all fronts that include political, business, innovation and enterprise, strategically positioning the youth as key development drivers. Such engagement ensures that policies formulated are not just an urban phenomenon but also take shape in the grass roots; a crucial element that serves as an appreciation of the youth and the integral role they play in enhancing governance at the national level.

I envision a nation where the youth are empowered socially, economically and politically. For sustainable and progressive development to take place, we have to build capacity on this segment of the population. Arms of government, civil society and non-governmental organizations must strategically work together to ensure the inclusion and active participation of women and youth. I dream of a Kenya where the youth shall be unanimously voted into critical dockets of our local and national government because only then can we talk about full participation to restore democracy and bring about consultative representation.

The power that lies in this population cannot be ignored. Today, the youth have demonstrated to the world their enormous growth potential and influence. To this population, using the new global culture which is an engine of creative resource has been able to provide a sense of stability, peace and unity across the continental, gender, age, racial and ethnic divide; promoting development and sustainability of our economic and political pillars.

Article was written for Stories of Courage but was never published.