University student leaders back call for youth-led national dialogue

University students addressing the media at the University of Nairobi in support of intergenerational conclave on July 22, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

A group of university student leaders has thrown its weight behind former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s call for an intergenerational national dialogue, insisting that the proposed platform must remain youth-led and free from political interference.

Among the key issues the students hope to address through the proposed dialogue are youth unemployment, inclusive governance, police brutality, and reforms to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

The leaders, drawn from the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA), said the time had come for young people to shape the country’s future meaningfully.

Speaking during a media briefing at the University of Nairobi on Tuesday, the students’ councils, led by Aaron Odhiambo, the Nyanza Region Broad-Based Deputy Director, blamed politicians for intruding on issues of public interest.

We dearly support the idea of Raila Odinga to bring youths into dialogue. We, as youths, insist that the dialogue not be interfered with by the politicians. We want it to be entirely a youth agenda,” he said.

University student leaders back Raila’s Intergenerational Conclave Proposal

Video: Benard Orwongo pic.twitter.com/Q0zm88Msuw — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) July 22, 2025

JKUAT student president Peace Love Isaa echoed the sentiment, noting that many young people were tired of being caught in the political crossfire during street protests.

“We are ready for dialogue. We are tired of dying and losing our loved ones. We are saying no to protests. We are ready to sit down and share our ideas. We have the skills, the knowledge, and the capacity to contribute positively to nation-building,” said Isaa.

The students also called on President William Ruto to prioritize comprehensive police reforms, referencing the deadly police crackdowns during recent nationwide protests.

“Those who lost their lives during the protests must be acknowledged and compensated,” said Alo Joel.

Raila Odinga, in a statement proposing the conclave, described the initiative as a platform to gather views from all segments of society and chart a reform agenda for the nation.

“The police service must be reformed to become a people’s defender and servant,” Raila said, underlining the need for accountability, transparency, and a crackdown on corruption.