The conversation around tokenism in Kenya’s politics continues to grow, and Political Ringside has recently highlighted why this issue needs closer attention.
Tokenism begins in small spaces like student politics and later shows up in national leadership, affecting how young people and other groups take part in shaping the country.
Political strategist Ndege Serikal says understanding this pattern is important because tokenism only survives when people allow it to. He challenges the youth to step in with purpose and refuse to be used for appearance without real influence.
Ndege Serikal’s story helps explain why he speaks strongly about these issues.
He first became active in leadership as a student at the University of Nairobi, where he studied political science. During his time in SONU, he faced many challenges, including eight suspensions and two expulsions.
These setbacks came because he stood up for student rights and demanded fair treatment. His involvement in activism taught him how to deal with pressure, how to engage with the media, and how to organize people around a shared purpose.
After joining the university in 2008, he spent years learning how leadership works from the ground up.
Today, he uses those skills as a political strategist and has plans to run for MP in Lang’ata in 2027, crediting student politics for shaping his approach to national leadership.
Tokenism, as he explains, is when a group is included only for show, without being given real space to contribute. In Kenya, this happens in many forms.
Leaders may offer small handouts like food or money, which appear helpful but do not build long-term solutions such as reliable jobs or stronger institutions.
Critics say this creates a cycle where people depend on small gifts instead of building independence. It also hides deeper issues like corruption, unfair appointments, and lack of accountability.
Even in history, during colonial times, some African women were placed in political roles mainly for appearance rather than meaningful participation. Today, similar patterns continue, especially for young people and women, who are invited to political events but rarely given a chance to voice real ideas.
Ndege says tokenism did not start recently. Even during the era of President Kenyatta, event attendance could be influenced through simple payments. In universities, student leaders sometimes select candidates who only serve the interests of those in power.
This behavior later appears in national politics, where youth help build party plans filled with energy and vision, only to be sidelined after elections. Older leaders fear losing control, so they choose individuals who will not challenge them, leaving out deserving young people.
Ndege insists the only solution is for youth to enter these spaces boldly, claim their roles, and insist on genuine involvement.His journey also shows how campus activism can open doors to national influence.
He worked alongside students like Babu Owino, now a Member of Parliament, and witnessed how student voices shaped big political moments, including protests during difficult times in the country’s history. More recently, Gen Z protests in 2024 showed clearly that young people are capable of mobilizing, organizing, and driving national conversations.
Ndege supported their courage but encouraged them to balance activism with practical tools like voting, learning new skills such as AI, and thinking independently.
Political Ringside help keep these discussions alive by breaking down issues affecting young people, leadership, and the political climate. They share bold analysis through short videos and interviews, including clips where Ndege explains how his activism prepared him for national leadership.
The show also tackles topics like government accountability, cost of living, and internal tensions in political alliances.
Ndege ends with a clear message, young people should not wait for the perfect moment. They should register to vote, demand better leadership, and use digital tools to express their views. Women, especially, face extra obstacles, but creating safe spaces can help everyone grow. He says change does not require extreme actions; sometimes it starts with simple, consistent effort, like repairing nets before going to fish.
Tokenism survives when people accept it, but it can end when youth assert themselves. Ndege’s experience shows that growth begins in small places and builds over time. If young Kenyans choose real participation over symbolism, the country’s politics can shift toward genuine empowerment for all.
