Young people in Kenya are increasingly demanding a direct role in politics, and a recent discussion on Political Ringside made that clear from the start.
Host Fridah Mong’are sat down with Teddy Odhiambo to discuss why Gen Z is pushing to secure real power in the 2027 elections, even without large campaign budgets.
The conversation reflected both the energy and frustration among young people who feel excluded from key decision-making spaces.
Teddy shared his journey from student leadership at Kenyatta University, where he served as secretary-general and later president twice. During his time there, he represented about 90,000 students, which he compared to the size of two constituencies in Nairobi.
His leadership experience shaped his entry into national youth advocacy through Compatriots for Reforms Kenya, also known as CRK.
The movement began in 2023 as a student initiative focused on lowering school fees and improving funding models, but it has since expanded to include broader social and political reforms involving youth, women, and other groups across the country.
A key issue raised in the discussion was how young people are often mobilized for votes or protests but rarely included in leadership positions.
Teddy emphasized that this pattern must change. He argued that youth want a seat at the table where real decisions are made, not just participation during election periods.
The conversation also examined the current administration under William Ruto. Teddy acknowledged that there are policy ideas that appear promising, such as the National Youth Fund supported by the World Bank, which aims to train and support 800,000 young people over five years.
However, he pointed out that implementation remains a major challenge.
According to him, mismanagement and inefficiencies often prevent such programs from reaching the intended beneficiaries, leaving many young people still struggling with unemployment.
On the opposition side, Teddy referenced leaders like Raila Odinga and past reform efforts such as the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy.
While these efforts addressed important issues like governance and constitutional changes, he argued that the opposition must now go further by presenting clear policy alternatives rather than focusing mainly on political personalities.
Local governance challenges were also part of the discussion. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was mentioned in relation to recurring floods and urban management issues.
Teddy noted that such problems highlight deeper systemic failures, where leaders focus more on re-election than on building long-term solutions.
Former governors Evans Kidero and Mike Sonko were cited as having faced similar criticisms, suggesting a pattern that goes beyond individual leadership.
Looking ahead, Teddy described the 2027 elections as a turning point. He believes there is an opportunity for a generational shift as older leaders step aside.
One of his proposals is the introduction of mandatory youth representation in parliament and the cabinet, similar to the existing structure for women representatives.
He also criticized the National Youth Council for delays and inefficiencies, arguing that it has not effectively served young people.
Teddy encouraged young Kenyans to take responsibility by registering as voters and actively participating in the political process.
Through CRK, he aims to convert online activism into actual votes, stressing that real change comes from holding political office.
While protests such as the 2024 Gen Z demonstrations helped raise awareness, he noted that lasting impact requires institutional power.
Another important point was that financial strength should not be a barrier to leadership. Teddy expressed confidence that candidates with strong ideas and credibility can still win elections, even against well-funded opponents.
However, he warned that without systemic reforms, even well-meaning leaders risk being pulled into corrupt systems.
Throughout the discussion, Fridah Mong’are kept the focus on civic responsibility, urging viewers to register and support youth-driven initiatives. Both speakers agreed that many political coalitions tend to prioritize personal interests over public good, often sidelining youth agendas.
Teddy called for alliances based on ideology and policy rather than convenience.
The discussion on Political Ringside ultimately highlighted a clear shift in Kenya’s political landscape. Young people are no longer willing to remain on the sidelines. They are organizing, building movements, and preparing to compete directly for leadership.
Attention is likely to center on voter registration, policy-driven campaigns, and the ability of youth movements to transform public frustration into electoral success.
Kenya’s future may depend on how effectively this generation turns its energy into structured political action.
