Kenya’s future at risk if we fail Gen Z – Kibwana warns
By Paulette Mboga, August 11, 2025Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has cautioned that Kenya risks losing its future if it fails to protect and invest in its young people.
Speaking against the backdrop of recent Gen Z-led protests over governance and economic hardship, Kibwana in a TV interview on Monday, August 11, 2025, described the youth as the nation’s most valuable resource, warning, “If you lose the wealth of a nation, you lose the nation. Our young people are our wealth, and if we don’t treat them well, we are compromising that wealth.”
In recent months, Kenya’s Generation Z has emerged as a formidable political force, using social media to organise mass protests and hold leaders accountable.
Their activism has been fueled by rising unemployment, perceived government excesses, and frustration over unmet promises. The demonstrations have spread across major cities, with many viewing them as a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey.
From occupying streets to dominating online conversations, Gen Z activists have signalled they are no longer content with symbolic gestures.
They want transparent governance, policies that address the high cost of living, and an end to corruption. Many say they are fighting not just for themselves, but for future generations.
Kibwana’s call aligns with global development priorities, which recognise that empowering young people fuels national progress.
This means bridging the gap between education and market needs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and including youth voices in policymaking. Failing to do so, he warned, compromises the very foundation of the country’s future.
Already, youth leaders are warning that continued inaction could fuel bigger, more organised demonstrations. Civil society groups are also urging the government to open a structured dialogue with young people.
Kibwana noted that the current wave of activism has given the nation a rare chance for reflection.
“The young people are forcing us to pause and decide if we want to look inward, but we did not accept that opportunity,” he said.
He added that exploring solutions that do not always rely on political leadership could be key: “If there’s something that can be done without politicians necessarily being at the helm, it could help us.”