Kenya’s leadership story continues to evolve, and Mwelekeo TV has become one of the few platforms helping citizens make sense of that journey.
Through honest discussions and data-backed insights, Mwelekeo TV, run by the research firm Mwelekeo Insights, creates a space where ordinary Kenyans can understand the forces shaping politics, the economy, and society.
In a country where leadership conversations often spark strong emotions, this approach helps people move from opinions to facts, from noise to knowledge.
In one of its recent programs, Mwelekeo TV hosted Davis Bin Oluoch, the ODM Youth Leader and Rapporteur for the ODM Youth League, in a conversation moderated by Fridah Mong’are.
Oluoch spoke about the challenges and opportunities for young people in leadership and reflected on his journey from student politics at Masai Mara University to his current role in ODM.
He explained how his political work began in 2021, driven by the desire to bring young people together to influence real change.
During the 2022 elections, he was part of the efforts to mobilize youth and introduce fresh thinking through initiatives such as the ODM New Generation, which focused on mentorship and inclusion.
Oluoch highlighted the major barriers that prevent young Kenyans from taking leadership roles. He pointed out that politics is expensive, and most youth lack the financial strength needed to campaign effectively. Many older leaders have wealth and established networks that give them an advantage, sometimes built through systems that exclude the young and poor.
He also noted that political parties, including ODM, still have few young members in top decision-making organs despite Kenya being a youthful nation.
According to him, this imbalance can only be fixed if parties intentionally reserve a fair share perhaps 10 to 30 percent of leadership positions for youth.
The discussion also explored how social media and research can change this dynamic. Oluoch described how online platforms allow young people to share their ideas without needing large budgets, helping them shape narratives and connect across regions.
He also emphasized that political strategies should always begin with proper research and data collection. By studying voter needs, demographics, and past trends, leaders can design messages and programs that truly represent the people.
Oluoch revealed that plans are underway for a Raila Odinga Leadership Academy to train graduates in party values, leadership, and policy analysis, aiming to prepare the next generation for active political roles.
When talking about the 2024 Gen Z protests, Oluoch said they revealed the frustrations of a generation that wants justice and opportunity.
However, he believes the protests lacked structured follow-up to turn anger into policy change. He urged youth to move from activism to strategy developing clear plans for reforms in governance, employment, and equality. He proposed a “Gen Z Plan 2025” that could outline steps on job creation, gender inclusion, and institutional reforms.
Oluoch also discussed unemployment, saying the government should improve job databases, expand innovation hubs, and reduce the red tape that discourages young entrepreneurs.
He observed that programs like the Hustler Fund were promising ideas but often failed because of corruption and poor planning.
Beyond politics, Mwelekeo Insights continues to explore how economic and cultural changes affect Kenyan life. Through their social media platforms, they share polls on topics such as bride price, shifting marriage trends, and the impact of inflation on families.
They also use their platforms to celebrate national figures and reflect on key historical moments, including tributes to the late Raila Odinga for his contributions to democracy.
Oluoch ended the conversation with optimism, saying Kenya is ready for a youthful president and a leadership class that reflects today’s realities. He encouraged young people to register as voters and take their place in shaping the 2027 elections.
The dialogue, like much of Mwelekeo TV’s work, showed that informed conversations can lead to meaningful change. By combining research, dialogue, and data, Kenyans can move toward a leadership model that represents all generations and builds a stronger, more inclusive nation.
