Political Ringside stands as Kenya’s number one political discussion show, delivering bold, front-row analysis that cuts through the noise of Kenyan politics with expert guests, unfiltered debates, and sharp insights into power dynamics, governance, and emerging issues.
In a recent compelling episode titled “Inside Kenya’s Youth Political Struggle – Gilbert Nalwa Breaks It Down”, host Fridah Mong’are engages Gilbert Nalwa, the Youth Leader of the Economic Patriotic Alliance (EPA) Party, journalist, communication strategist, and governance expert.
Nalwa, also an aspirant for the National Youth Council (NYC), provides a candid breakdown of why Kenyan youth despite forming the majority of the population remain largely sidelined from real political power.
The conversation highlights systemic barriers: the National Youth Council has not held elections in over 12 years, despite cabinet-approved funding of 165 million shillings and presidential promises during last year’s Gen Z demonstrations in Mombasa to enable independent NYC polls.
Nalwa criticizes the lack of goodwill and progress, pointing to misplaced government priorities while youth programs falter on the ground, such as unreleased ward-level funds meant to support young people.
Key themes include the illusion of youth inclusion in political parties, where roles are often symbolic rather than substantive.
In newer outfits like EPA, which champions economic liberation, Nalwa pushes for prioritizing youth in ticket allocations and decision-making, but notes that most parties lack internal democracy, with power centralized around ethnic or regional strongholds.
He stresses the need for intergenerational dialogue to secure genuine opportunities.
Governance failures come under scrutiny, including how devolution intended to decentralize resources has instead devolved corruption, with governors misusing funds on non-essentials while counties stay impoverished.
Accountability remains weak due to compromised institutions, and young leaders risk being absorbed into the same flawed system they oppose without collective action.
The discussion delves into the digital age’s impact on politics: propaganda, misinformation, and social media manipulation often overshadow policy substance. While platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok empower communication even used by top leaders they can also spread deepfakes and erode trust.
Nalwa advocates personal responsibility over heavy regulation to preserve free expression.
Ethnic politics persists, with leaders leveraging local languages for exclusivity, though younger generations (especially post-2000) show potential for national unity by speaking fewer mother tongues.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Nalwa urges youth to register as voters (noting millions unregistered in 2022), leverage intelligence over money, break ethnic voting habits, and demand seats at the decision-making table to translate online energy into real influence.
This hard-hitting episode challenges assumptions about youth empowerment, confronts leadership crises, and calls for reforms to make Kenyan politics more inclusive and accountable.
Political Ringside continues to lead the way in delivering thought-provoking analysis from the front row stay tuned for more episodes that unpack the realities shaping Kenya’s political future.
