The number one Kenyan political show, Political Ringside, recently featured a discussion that highlighted a major challenge in Kenyan politics: the limited real power of youth in political parties.
In the episode, host Fridah Mong’are spoke with Chibeka Matara, Chairperson of the KANU Youth Congress, about how youth wings exist across parties but often have little influence on major decisions.
While youth groups are included at polling stations, county branches, and even national structures to meet constitutional requirements, their role is often symbolic, leaving senior leaders to make most of the key decisions.
Matara explained that even in KANU, where youth have representation in the National Executive Council and National Delegates Conference, youth involvement in forming coalitions or shaping party strategy is minimal. Major alliances, like KANU’s partnership with Azimio, are typically arranged based on regional interests or short-term political gains, without consulting youth leaders first.
After the deals are made, youth members might discuss them, but they rarely influence the process from the start. This pattern repeats across multiple parties, showing that inclusion often exists more on paper than in practice.
The show also discussed how coalitions in Kenya tend to form for convenience rather than shared principles.
Parties that join forces because of timing or personal benefit rather than ideology can confuse young members who enter politics with a belief in party values. Matara argued that while such coalitions may offer immediate gains, they weaken party identity and public trust in the long run.
She emphasized that respecting party principles during coalition talks is essential to build accountability and credibility.
Youth engagement is critical because young people make up over 75% of voters in Kenya.
Without meaningful participation, many feel used only during elections and excluded from decision-making afterward.
The 2024 demonstrations showed that youth are willing to push for better governance, but many faced strong opposition, leaving some discouraged. Despite this, Matara encouraged young people to remain active in politics, learn how parties operate, and prepare for future leadership roles.
The episode of Political Ringside called for reforms, such as giving youth leagues formal rights to vote in coalition talks and guaranteeing spots in committees handling major decisions.
Politics should go beyond election periods, allowing youth to influence issues like public spending, job creation, and governance systems. Looking ahead to the 2027 elections,
Political Ringside suggested that youth could become a decisive force if parties make space for them, creating more democratic and inclusive political structures. Without these changes, exclusion patterns are likely to continue, leaving young voices unheard.
By centering this conversation on the country’s number one political show, Political Ringside demonstrates the importance of youth inclusion and national discussion about balancing experience with fresh ideas in Kenyan politics.
