Kenya’s future depends on how young people position themselves today, and that reality was clearly discussed on Political Ringside through insights shared by political strategist and former student leader Ndege Serikal.
The conversation focused on practical ways the youth can stop being spectators and start influencing decisions that shape the country. The discussion was not about slogans or excitement but about real steps that can move young people from the sidelines into spaces where power is exercised.
Ndege Serikal explains that one of the biggest problems facing young people in Kenya is tokenism. Many leaders bring in youth only to create an image of inclusion, not to listen to them.
Young people are often mobilized during campaigns or protests, given small handouts, and assigned basic tasks like chanting or mobilizing crowds.
When serious decisions are made, they are left out. This pattern has existed for decades and continues today in political parties, student leadership, and civic spaces.
According to Ndege, being aware of this trap is the first step. Once a young person gets access to a political space, no matter how small, they should use it to speak, contribute ideas, and demand relevance instead of settling for visibility.
Education and political awareness come next. Ndege draws from his experience in student leadership at the University of Nairobi, where he learned how systems work from the inside. He stresses that young people must understand how political parties operate, how nominations are decided, and how laws are made. Without this knowledge, it is easy to be used.
Many young Kenyans already belong to political parties, especially youth leagues, but membership alone is not enough.
Section of Kenyan youths during the past political rally. Photo Courtesy/The Standard
Active participation is what creates leverage. Attending meetings, questioning decisions, and pushing for accountability are ways youth can slowly build influence.
He also points to networking as a critical tool. Politics is not only about ideas but also about relationships.
Through campus politics and activism, Ndege connected with mentors and peers who later opened doors for him. Young people today can do the same through youth forums, civic groups, and policy discussion spaces.
Platforms such as youth assemblies and county-based youth initiatives allow young leaders to engage real issues like unemployment, education, and local development.
Digital spaces also matter. Shows like Political Ringside help expose young people to political thinking and debates that go beyond social media noise.
Another key issue is choosing influence over comfort. Ndege cautions young people against accepting roles that come with money but no authority.
Short-term benefits often silence long-term impact. Instead, youth should push for positions where they can influence policy, planning, and budgeting.
This includes advocating for support for young political aspirants and mobilizing fellow youth to register and vote. Low youth turnout weakens their bargaining power, yet young people are the largest voting bloc in the country.
Consistency is what turns effort into results. Ndege’s journey from student leadership to contesting for parliamentary office shows that growth in politics takes time. He encourages young people to think long term, work across communities, and remain engaged even when progress feels slow. Kenya has already seen how organized youth action can force national conversations. The challenge is turning that energy into structured, sustained influence.
