Nikisimama Mtase...! Why Young People Must Step Up to Lead

“Nikisimama mtasema sina bibi…”
“Nikisimama mtasema sina pesa…”
“Nikisimama mtasema mimi ni mtoto…”

These phrases have become common justifications for avoiding leadership among Kenyan youth. But behind them lies a deeper fear—one planted by decades of exclusion, corruption, and generational betrayal.

There is a growing concern among young people in this country—and it is real.

Our current political class has lost touch with the aspirations, needs, and voice of a younger generation. We are the majority, yet treated like a minority in governance decisions. Studies project a global jobs gap for over 1 billion youth if things continue the same way. In Kenya, the signs are already here—skyrocketing unemployment, rising cost of living, and policy decisions that serve the elite few while sidelining millions.

Let’s talk facts:

• The County Government of Vihiga recently proposed to spend Ksh. 3.8 million on a county anthem. Yes, an anthem. This, despite constitutional articles 185 and 186 clearly setting limits on such functions.

• Meanwhile, at the national level, the President is building a Ksh. 1.2 Billion church at State House—on public land. This flies in the face of constitutional provisions on the separation of church and state.

• Our so-called “youth empowerment programs” are mostly donor-funded, ill-designed, and temporary—NYOTA, Climate WorX, and others provide momentary relief, not sustainable opportunity.

This isn’t just bad policy—it’s a deliberate neglect of a generation.

So now, we must ask: what excuse do we have not to lead?

The truth is, youth leadership isn’t a choice anymore—it’s a necessity. If we don't step up, we will be forever governed by those who don’t understand our lives, our futures, or our struggles. And that’s why I’m calling on every young person reading this:

Run. Vote. Mobilize. Speak. Show up.

Let’s crowd the ballot with youth willing to lead. Let’s normalize youthful ambition. Let’s reject the myth that leadership is reserved for the wealthy, the married, the connected. Let’s build a generation that doesn’t ask for permission—but takes responsibility.

Personally, I commit to supporting any youth bold enough to pursue political leadership—regardless of outcome. Because your voice matters. Because your ideas matter. Because your future is at stake.

Let the old guard say what they will. Let them label, mock, or threaten. Tumechoka. Hatutaki tena. Na hatutangoja tena.

This is the time.
This is our time.
Na tukisimama… watajua hawajui!

About Author: Kevin Makova