Agnes Kagure, a Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant, has openly praised a new youth-driven civic initiative that is gaining attention across the city, saying it reflects a serious push by young people to take part in shaping Nairobi’s future through active citizenship.
Her remarks come as a group of young men and women organize themselves under the name “Jeshi La Mama,” a volunteer movement focused on civic education and voter awareness.
In Nairobi, youth energy is often visible during political seasons, but Jeshi La Mama stands out because of its hands-on approach.
The group is made up of volunteers who move from one neighborhood to another, engaging residents directly.
They speak to people in homes, markets, streets, and public spaces, explaining simple but important issues such as the importance of voting, how to register as voters, and why every citizen has a role to play in governance.
Their work targets ordinary people who may feel left out of politics due to daily struggles like work, transport, and family responsibilities.
The idea behind Jeshi La Mama is based on unity and responsibility. The name itself suggests care, protection, and commitment to the community, much like a mother looks after her family.
Members of the group believe that when young people organize themselves with a clear purpose, they can influence real change. They argue that civic duties should not be left to politicians alone, but must involve citizens at every level, especially the youth who form the largest part of the population.
Agnes Kagure shared her thoughts on this initiative through Facebook post, saying she was deeply inspired by the passion and sacrifice shown by the volunteers.
She noted that the young people involved are willing to travel across Nairobi, often using their own limited resources, just to spread the message of civic responsibility.
For her, this commitment shows that the youth are ready to take the city seriously. She described their efforts as laying the groundwork for higher voter turnout and more informed participation in the next elections.
Her statement, “Raundi hii hakuna mchezo,” clearly shows the seriousness she attaches to the moment, emphasizing that this is a time for action, not empty words.
Youth volunteer movements are not new in Kenya. In the past, similar groups have pushed for peaceful elections, accountability, and community development.
What makes Jeshi La Mama different is its strong focus on civic education in urban areas, where voter turnout has often been affected by apathy, long queues, and lack of trust in leadership.
The group hopes to change attitudes and encourage more people to participate.
The impact of such initiatives can last beyond a single election. When young people understand their rights and responsibilities early, they are more likely to stay engaged in public affairs.
In a city like Nairobi, which faces challenges such as unemployment, housing shortages, traffic, and service delivery, an informed and active population can push leaders to be more accountable.
Jeshi La Mama is helping to build this culture by reminding citizens that voting and participation are key tools for change.
Despite challenges such as transport costs and security concerns in some areas, the volunteers remain committed. Their determination continues to inspire others and shows that meaningful change often starts with ordinary people taking small but consistent steps.
Efforts like these offer hope that Nairobi residents will have a stronger voice in deciding the city’s future.
