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Rewriting the Youth Revolution: A Fresh Call for Urgency in Leadership
In the lakeside city of Kisumu, a different kind of storm is brewing—one not made of rain, but of disillusionment and demand. The recent appointment of Fikirini Jacobs as the Principal Secretary in charge of Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports has ignited hopes. Yet with it comes a rising impatience among young people, especially concerning the long-stalled National Youth Council (NYC) elections. For too long, these polls have remained in limbo, and now the youth are making it clear—they're done waiting.
Stagnation Masquerading as Strategy
The NYC was created to champion the issues that weigh heavily on Kenya's youth—unemployment, marginalization, and limited access to critical resources. But somewhere along the way, the council became more symbolic than functional. What should’ve been a voice has turned into a whisper, drowned by bureaucratic noise and political stalling.
According to Steve Okello from The Dawn of Obunga CBO, the structure meant to empower youth has been stripped of its core purpose. And now, young people want it rebuilt from the ground up—with urgency.
Demanding More than Promises
Youth voices are not asking for change; they are commanding it. They’ve grown weary of empty pledges and vague roadmaps. Hillary Ochieng, another passionate advocate, minced no words. He questioned why Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has yet to commit to a concrete election timeline. While the Ministry initially floated February to March 2025 as potential dates, silence and inaction have begun to rot trust. In Ochieng’s words, hope without action is a political sedative—and Kenya’s youth refuse to be pacified.
A Deafening Silence from Leadership
It isn’t just government ministries under fire. NYC’s own CEO, , has come under public scrutiny. Her prolonged silence amid this unfolding crisis has raised serious questions about her commitment to youth representation. Youth leaders argue that if she won't speak up for the council she leads, then she’s part of the problem—not the solution. The call is simple: speak or step aside.
A Presidential Echo with No Follow-Through
President William Ruto’s town hall pledge to rejuvenate NYC was met with applause last year. But applause fades fast in the absence of action. What remains is a bitter aftertaste of political theater. The young people in Kisumu—and across Kenya—feel their concerns are being shelved under bureaucracy. Yet these same youth are now becoming the architects of their resistance, demanding not just inclusion but full-on participation.
The Pressure on PS Fikirini Jacobs
The newly appointed PS now finds himself in a crucial position. This isn't just another government role—it’s a battleground for legitimacy. Youths across Kenya will be measuring her tenure not by press releases, but by the number of polling stations, voter registrations, and finally—by ballots cast in a long-overdue election. Fikirini Jacobs must either fast-track these elections or risk becoming yet another figurehead in a system that the youth are rapidly losing faith in.
Civil Society Steps In
While government leaders hesitate, civil society groups are filling the vacuum. Organizations like The Dawn of Obunga CBO are doing more than raising awareness—they’re fueling a movement. They offer mentorship, platforms for dialogue, and most importantly, they’re holding power accountable. These grassroots groups are reminding everyone that youth participation isn’t a privilege granted by the state—it’s a constitutional right.
A Sector in Need of a Shockwave
This isn’t just about elections. The frustrations over NYC are a microcosm of a deeper, more systemic rot in youth affairs. Kenya’s youth face rising unemployment, minimal political engagement, and social services that barely reach them. Without urgent reform, the country risks alienating its most energetic and innovative demographic. What happens next could define the nation’s socio-political future.
Towards Transparency and Trust
Restoring trust requires more than finally setting an election date—it calls for transparency in every step. From logistics to leadership vetting, the process must be public, accessible, and inclusive. No backroom deals. No partisan appointments. Just young people leading young people. The days of tokenism must end, and real accountability must begin.
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