Speaking during the IGAD Leadership Academy Annual Alumni Conference on December 16, Kenyatta rejected the popular belief that young people must wait until “tomorrow” to lead.
He told participants that the thinking that youth will lead someday discourages ambition and weakens momentum for positive change.
Kenyatta stressed that Africa’s history is filled with youthful trailblazers, citing leaders such as Tom Mboya and Kenneth Matiba, who began influencing national affairs while still in their twenties.
Kenyatta stressed that Africa’s history is filled with youthful trailblazers, citing leaders such as Tom Mboya and Kenneth Matiba, who began influencing national affairs while still in their twenties.
According to him, age has never been an obstacle to making an impact.
“If you keep thinking you are leaders of tomorrow, that tomorrow will never come,” Kenyatta said.
“If you keep thinking you are leaders of tomorrow, that tomorrow will never come,” Kenyatta said.
“You are the leaders of today. Your ideas, your courage and your commitment will shape Africa’s future.”
During his speech, the former Head of State encouraged delegates to embrace values-driven leadership and confront the continent’s challenges without fear.
During his speech, the former Head of State encouraged delegates to embrace values-driven leadership and confront the continent’s challenges without fear.
He urged young Africans to use their voices and platforms to demand accountability, protect democratic gains, and participate actively in governance.
Kenyatta’s remarks echoed sentiments he expressed earlier in the year. At an event in January, while attending the memorial service of Kibathi Muigai, he encouraged Gen Z to defend their rights and resist exploitation.
Kenyatta’s remarks echoed sentiments he expressed earlier in the year. At an event in January, while attending the memorial service of Kibathi Muigai, he encouraged Gen Z to defend their rights and resist exploitation.
He argued that young people must not allow their achievements to be taken away through injustice or corruption.
He urged youth to remain alert and speak up whenever their freedoms or opportunities are threatened.
“Everything valuable requires effort and, when necessary, a fight,” he said then.
He urged youth to remain alert and speak up whenever their freedoms or opportunities are threatened.
“Everything valuable requires effort and, when necessary, a fight,” he said then.
“Stand firm for what belongs to you. We are behind you.”
His latest call appears to reinforce his belief that young citizens possess the passion and power necessary to transform society if they refuse to remain passive.
However, Kenyatta’s renewed push for youth activism has attracted criticism from leaders within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking in Machakos, accused the former president of attempting to incite young people for political advantage.
His latest call appears to reinforce his belief that young citizens possess the passion and power necessary to transform society if they refuse to remain passive.
However, Kenyatta’s renewed push for youth activism has attracted criticism from leaders within the Kenya Kwanza government.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking in Machakos, accused the former president of attempting to incite young people for political advantage.
He questioned Kenyatta’s right to lecture leaders in office, stating that his own administration struggled with governance challenges.
Murkomen remarked that the former president still bears responsibility for decisions made only a few years ago, adding that the youth should not be manipulated for political gain.
“He was President just the other day,” Murkomen argued.
Murkomen remarked that the former president still bears responsibility for decisions made only a few years ago, adding that the youth should not be manipulated for political gain.
“He was President just the other day,” Murkomen argued.
“The ink on the decisions he signed has not even dried. He cannot now act like an angel and tell our youth to protest.”
Murkomen insisted that leaders must act responsibly to protect Kenya’s stability rather than fuel tensions for political messaging.
In addition, Belgut MP Nelson Koech dismissed Kenyatta’s remarks as insincere. Koech pointed out that during Kenyatta’s presidency, critics claimed the government did not sufficiently empower young people or expand opportunities for them.
He questioned whether Kenyatta had implemented policies that meaningfully addressed youth unemployment or governance concerns.
Supporters of Kenyatta’s remarks argue that young Africans must claim leadership roles now, rather than wait for future opportunities that may never come.
Murkomen insisted that leaders must act responsibly to protect Kenya’s stability rather than fuel tensions for political messaging.
In addition, Belgut MP Nelson Koech dismissed Kenyatta’s remarks as insincere. Koech pointed out that during Kenyatta’s presidency, critics claimed the government did not sufficiently empower young people or expand opportunities for them.
He questioned whether Kenyatta had implemented policies that meaningfully addressed youth unemployment or governance concerns.
Supporters of Kenyatta’s remarks argue that young Africans must claim leadership roles now, rather than wait for future opportunities that may never come.
Critics, however, challenge the sincerity of political leaders championing youth empowerment after leaving office.
Despite differing opinions, the former president’s message sparked fresh national conversation about generational responsibility, civic engagement and accountability.
Despite differing opinions, the former president’s message sparked fresh national conversation about generational responsibility, civic engagement and accountability.
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