Kenyan Youth Unite: A Call for Peace, Progress, and National Healing
The Interparty Youth Forum (IPYF), has united Kenya’s youth to reflect on recent events, recognize past challenges, and propose a way forward. The forum expresses deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life during recent protests, emphasizing the profound impact these deaths have had on the nation’s collective heart. Each individual lost was an integral part of their community, and their dreams and aspirations now leave a void for their loved ones to grieve.
The right to peaceful protest, enshrined in Article 37 of Kenya’s Constitution, is a cornerstone of democracy, allowing citizens to voice their opinions and demand change without fear. The loss of young lives in these demonstrations underscores the heavy price sometimes paid in the pursuit of justice and equality. The forum calls for a recommitment to ensuring such tragedies do not recur and that citizens’ voices can be safely and peacefully heard.
The IPYF acknowledges the Presidency’s responsiveness to the people’s concerns, notably President William Ruto’s decision not to assent to the Finance Bill, 2024, returning it to Parliament with recommendations to reject all clauses. This decision, a result of two weeks of protests led by Kenya’s Generation Z, signifies the growth of democratic space and the increasing influence of civic engagement. It also reflects a leadership willing to listen and respond to its citizens. The forum appreciates the communication from the Speaker of the National Assembly and looks forward to further clarity on the next steps.
The forum celebrates a nationwide civic awakening led by Generation Z, with young Kenyans, millennials, and those young at heart demonstrating unprecedented civic responsibility and engagement. This movement has transcended tribal, political, and religious affiliations, uniting people in the common cause of addressing issues such as poverty, debt, governance, and accountability. It signals a maturation of Kenya’s politics, showing that the youth are ready to meaningfully engage with economic challenges, contribute substantively, and actively participate in policy development and nation-building.
Recognizing President William Ruto’s commitment to engaging with the youth, the forum presents itself as a collective ready to serve as a bridge for intergenerational dialogue. They advocate for opportunities to engage across all counties, answering the call of the national anthem to build the nation together. In this tense period, they call for calm and understanding, emphasizing the need for healing and mending. They pledge to defend their homeland and collaboratively chart a path forward to ensure prosperity within Kenya’s borders.
