Who Silenced the Youth, Decades on End

The 2022 elections were an anticlimax to the potential of a significant group in the country- the youth. This was evident in the voter turnout that signaled voter apathy and led to a close gap between the presidential candidates. But have the youth really been vibrant voters in the last few election cycles? The youths have learnt to pacify their frustrations in quiet endeavors come election period giving room to political class battles. There are some voices of youth in Kenya but the bulk is silent.

The recent media reports of throngs of youth seeking employment is telling of the troubles of youth in Kenya. The limited job market locking out many educated and strong young people. These are about 20 million of 18-35 years old, compared to 12 million 2022 voter turnout of adults.

As the country grapples with electoral justice issues and dire unemployment it is not hard to see the youth as the key factor in both issues.

At independence, Kenya like many countries in Africa were awakened to the potential of governing itself with the new found freedom. The road to that independence saw young men and women organize communities towards that effort. There was no lack of bravery and sacrifice that welled in young peoples’ hearts for that moment of history. The images from independence day show a youthful nation that witnessed freedom, the joy and teeming celebrations.

The youth were still showing up about two decades after gaining independence seeking political voice in the national political realm.

But six decades later, it is silent in a nation with millions of youth. A deafening silence.

The gradual fading of bravery, their education restrained with high costs and crippled learning institutions, work opportunities too few to make a dent on unemployment. They look away with no answer to the torment. The youth no longer serve their country. Perhaps occupied with reclaiming their lost glory in the land. Their abilities, resources, their potential deemed no good for making plenty within our borders or shield to defend.

The strength of the youth is in the numbers, and their weakness in their silence towards the issues that face them in the country.