Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyan leaders to fundamentally shift how they engage with the country’s youth, calling for meaningful dialogue and intellectual investment as the key to unlocking Kenya’s future.
Speaking during a fundraising dinner organized by the A-Kili Foundation in Nairobi, Mudavadi emphasized that young people aged 35 and below now make up over 75 percent of Kenya’s population more than 35 million individuals. He said this demographic reality demands deliberate inclusion in decision-making and national development.
“We, the politicians, are the biggest culprits. We’ve been talking down to young people instead of engaging them in meaningful conversations,” Mudavadi admitted, urging a more respectful and inclusive approach.
He highlighted the need to equip youth with knowledge, skills, and values that would not only transform their lives but also empower them to uplift their communities. He praised the A-Kili Foundation’s efforts in mentorship, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and leadership training, which have benefited over 5,000 youth across Kenya.
Mudavadi cited historical examples like William Pitt, who became UK Prime Minister at 24, and Jesus Christ, who spread a global message before age 33, to underscore the transformative power of young leaders. Recalling his own appointment as Finance Minister at 33, he said young people should be seen not as dependents but as strategic national assets.
He also echoed the words of a former Aldai MP who promoted the “Brain Settlement Scheme” a concept advocating intellectual empowerment over land acquisition. “This scheme is tax-free, limitless, and offers every youth a chance to succeed through mental effort,” he said.
Mudavadi warned against the misuse of digital technologies and AI, saying these tools must be used responsibly to avoid spreading misinformation. He cautioned youth against romanticizing violence, stressing that democratic, constitutional governance remains superior to military rule.
Praising the A-Kili Foundation and its founder Dr. Hosea Kili, Mudavadi called on Kenyans to support youth-focused initiatives that prepare the next generation to lead with wisdom and integrity.
“Let us change the narrative. Young people are not the problem they are the solution,” he concluded.
