Lack of higher quality of democratic governance in Kenya can be attributed to ignorance of the Kenyan youth to engage in political participation. Campaigns preceding the last general elections saw the current Jubilee regime preach the unfulfilled promise of putting much effort in youth development through creation of unreasonable number of employment opportunities. This became a predominant agenda to garner the votes of the young Kenyans who constitute a significant number of the Kenyan population. Four years later, according to World Bank report, Kenya holds the dubious distinction of being the country with the largest number of jobless youth in the entire East African region.
When the time was ripe for to implement their promise for the youth to find their niche, the corruption culture took its course and thieves became beneficiaries with the youths remaining trapped in perpetual unemployment. There is absolutely no youthful face with regards to government appointments which has been majorly grounded on ethnicity. If also the youth are part of beneficiaries of corruption, then the Jubilee regime must have made a major milestone in matters vis-à-vis transformation of the youth.
Time has come for the Kenyan youth to break the status quo of ho-hum ethnic style politics of following a politician because ‘he is one of our own’. The youth are supposed to be the most politically intellectual citizens such that when corruption is at its peak, they are the ones who suffer the most. When the Dons are shouting the animal CBA in the streets their valuable time is lost. Since they constitute over 70% of the Kenyan population, when doctors are jailed, again they are hit most by the crisis.
Information changes situations. If we were to realize the goals this country of enriching our social and economic status, youth empowerment is essential. Political empowerment is broader than political engagement. It makes the youth understand how a government especially with its devolved units if appropriately managed can upgrade their lives.
Bad leaders are elected by young citizens who don’t have a WHY on the Election Day. Having a voter’s card is not enough to send a failed leadership home. Having a reason of why and what you are voting for is necessary. Be ready to choose a better tomorrow.
“We live in an age when to be young and to be indifferent can be no longer synonymous. We must prepare for the coming hour. The claims of the future are represented by suffering millions; and that the youth the trustees for the prosperity of a nation.”
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