The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is
now urging Kenyan youths to raise their concerns, but with respect and order.
Speaking on Wednesday, NCIC Chairperson
Samuel Kobia said the youth must be organised if they want to bring real change
in the country.
He said their voices must not only end in hashtags and
protests but also reach all other parts of society.
“Let this energy be matched with structure, purpose, and
strategy. Passion must walk hand in hand with discipline. Digital mobilisation
must be paired with civic education, policy understanding, and meaningful
dialogue. Voices must not just echo in hashtags and protests, they must be
heard in town halls, community forums, parliamentary submissions, and constructive
national discourse,” Kobia said.
“To the youth of Kenya, your voice matters. But for your
voice to bring constructive change, it must be organised. It must be informed.
It must be inclusive of respect and decorum, of the voices of other
generations, communities, and perspectives. That is how movements become
moments of transformation.”
He called on the country to accommodate the youthful
generation’s interest without resistance.
The NCIC chair insisted that Kenya belongs to all of us, even
as he called on people from all generations to work together in facing the
challenges that ail the country.
These include unemployment, corruption, structural
inequality, climate change, and social injustice.
He noted that Kenya’s future is not something that is inherited but co-created.
“Across the country, we are witnessing a powerful and
unmistakable wave, the awakening of Kenya’s youth, particularly our Gen-Z, to
matters of national concern.
“This generation is bold, digitally connected, socially
conscious, and unafraid to speak truth to power. They are asking difficult
questions, challenging the status quo, and demanding transparency, inclusion,
and accountability from leaders at all levels. Their energy is unmistakable,
and their desire to shape the future of our country is commendable,” Kobia
said.
The commission further raised concerns over the growing erosion
of national values and the diminishing spirit of patriotism among the youth.
It said this has been fuelled by the rising polarisation,
unbridled hate speech, disrespect, online incitement and cultural shifts that
prioritise individual gain over collective responsibility.
“We must confront these uncomfortable and inconvenient
truths with urgency and resolve.”