Kenyan Youth Urged to Make Informed Choices Amid Economic and Political Turmoil
As Kenya enters 2025, the nation faces a critical juncture, with political realignments and economic hardships dominating the landscape. The youth—particularly millennials and Gen Z—are increasingly restless, feeling the brunt of soaring living costs, stagnant wages, and punitive taxation. Tribeless and largely leaderless, young Kenyans grapple daily with inflation and diminishing opportunities, creating a sense of disillusionment that experts warn could translate into social unrest if left unaddressed. The coalition government, formed by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, promises inclusivity, but many citizens remain skeptical of its capacity to translate rhetoric into tangible improvements in livelihoods.
The economic realities confronting the majority of Kenyans are stark. Small businesses, a backbone of the economy, struggle under high taxes, expensive credit, and inconsistent government policies. Agricultural productivity is hindered by erratic weather patterns and insufficient state support, leading to rising food prices and a deepening hunger crisis. Meanwhile, governance challenges persist at both national and county levels, with corruption, mismanagement, and political interference weakening institutions designed to uphold accountability. Critical services such as healthcare and education are underfunded, and devolution, intended to empower local communities, often fails due to misallocation of funds and lack of transparency.
Public sentiment highlights a growing disconnect between political promises and lived realities. Citizens are urged to actively participate in governance and demand accountability, ensuring that institutions like the Judiciary, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, and oversight agencies operate independently. Analysts emphasize that for Kenya to achieve the vision of the 2010 Constitution—justice, equity, and shared prosperity—deliberate policy action is essential. As the electorate, especially the youth, prepares for upcoming political cycles, their informed engagement will be crucial in shaping a government responsive to the pressing social, economic, and political needs of the majority.