Mwelekeo TV recently featured a discussion that has sparked interest among many Kenyans who are thinking about the future of leadership in the country.
The talk centered on whether Kenya is ready for a youthful president and what steps would be needed to make that possible.
The conversation, hosted by Fridah Mong’are, included Davis Bin Oluoch, a rapporteur for the ODM Youth League, who shared his perspective on how young people can play a bigger role in shaping Kenya’s political future.
Oluoch believes that the time has come for Kenya to embrace youthful leadership. He explained that young people make up between 60 and 75 percent of the population, which means they already represent the majority.
He pointed to the 2024 Gen Z protests as an example of how organized and determined the youth can be when united by a common goal.
Comparing this generation to those who fought for independence or pushed for multi-party democracy, he said every era has its defining moment, and this could be the youth’s turn.
However, he stressed that to make lasting change, young people must create solid structures and push for common goals such as employment, police reforms, and better healthcare.
During the discussion, Oluoch also talked about how political parties influence youth participation.
He explained that ODM’s New Generation initiative, which started in late 2023, was designed to attract more young members by creating new groups and slogans that reflect youth interests.
But despite such efforts, young people still face challenges in party structures. In ODM’s key decision-making bodies, there is only one youth representative among dozens of members.
This, he said, makes it difficult for young voices to be heard, especially when older leaders assume they already understand what the youth need.
Finances also remain a major obstacle.
Oluoch mentioned that running for office requires large sums of money from party nomination fees that can reach 500,000 shillings to campaign expenses like transport and publicity. Many young people, who do not have access to such resources, find it nearly impossible to compete.
He proposed reducing these costs and ensuring that youth occupy between 10 and 50 percent of leadership positions.
While social media gives young people a platform to express ideas, he said it cannot fully replace the influence and networks that experienced politicians already have.
As a researcher, Oluoch emphasized the importance of data in guiding political decisions. Since 2021, he has been collecting information on issues such as climate change, water access, and job creation to help shape policies that respond to real needs.
He encouraged young leaders to base their campaigns on solid research rather than emotion, noting that this could help move from protests to practical action.
However, some Kenyans still question whether the country is truly ready for a youthful president. Online discussions show that tribal politics, old alliances, and lack of political education among the youth could slow progress. Many argue that even if a young candidate emerges, winning national support without established networks remains a challenge.
Oluoch also commented on government initiatives like the Hustler Fund. While he acknowledged its potential in supporting small businesses, he criticized the misuse of funds and urged for more transparency.
He proposed training centers, mentorship programs, and tax relief for youth-led enterprises to help them grow sustainably.
Oluoch called on young people to take part in elections, register as voters, and work on a “Gen Z Agenda 2025” a shared plan for the country’s future. He envisions a Kenya that is more united, less divided by tribe, and focused on development in areas such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The conversation on Mwelekeo TV served as a reminder that while youthful leadership is possible, it will only succeed if young people remain united, informed, and committed to long-term change.
