Political Ringside recently hosted a detailed discussion on youth leadership in Kenya, with host Isaac Kweyu speaking to lawyer, entrepreneur, and aspiring Dagoretti North MP Mirimo Nyongesa about the growing role of young people in politics and the challenges they face in trying to bring change to their communities.
The conversation focused on leadership, economic empowerment, and the pressure young leaders face as they try to connect with ordinary wananchi struggling with unemployment and poverty.
During the interview, Mirimo Nyongesa shared his personal journey and explained how his experiences living in Kawangware shaped his political ambitions.
After joining the University of Nairobi as a government-sponsored student, he settled in Dagoretti North and has lived there for more than seven years.
Over time, he became deeply involved in community activities, especially programs aimed at helping young people avoid crime, drug abuse, and hopelessness that affect many youths living in informal settlements.
Nyongesa said his interaction with residents made him realize that many of the challenges facing young people cannot be solved through small individual efforts alone.
According to him, there is a need for stronger policies and better support systems from leaders who understand the daily struggles of ordinary citizens. While some areas have roads, electricity, and water, he noted that many families still struggle to earn stable incomes and improve their lives.
One of the key issues he raised during the discussion was economic empowerment. He explained that many residents in Dagoretti North, especially in areas like Kawangware, are hardworking people trying to survive through small businesses and casual jobs, but they lack enough opportunities and financial support.
He believes leadership should focus more on helping people gain practical skills, access capital, and create sustainable businesses that can lift families above the poverty line.
Nyongesa also spoke about the increasing political awareness among young people in Kenya, especially Gen Z. He said many youths are now paying closer attention to governance and demanding leaders who can offer fresh ideas instead of repeating old promises.
According to him, this growing awareness has encouraged many young professionals and entrepreneurs to consider joining politics in order to directly participate in decision-making processes.
He admitted that running for office in Nairobi is not easy because politics requires significant financial resources and strong grassroots connections.
Despite these challenges, he said he remains focused on engaging residents and listening to their priorities before fully settling on his political strategy. He noted that he is still consulting the people of Dagoretti North on whether to pursue leadership through a political party or another path.
The conversation also highlighted his ongoing community work, which he said began around 2020. Nyongesa revealed that he has already helped around 150 young people in one area through mentorship and support initiatives.
Although he acknowledged that his work is still growing and may not yet have large documented numbers, he insisted that meaningful change takes time and consistency.
He further argued that politics should not only revolve around speeches and campaigns but should also reflect work already being done on the ground.
For him, leadership is about continuing community support on a larger scale and creating practical solutions for unemployment and lack of opportunities affecting young people.
The Political Ringside discussion also explored the wider political environment in Nairobi and across Kenya. Nyongesa acknowledged that existing leaders have contributed in different ways, but he believes there is still room for a new generation of leaders with fresh energy and ideas. He maintained that young leaders must move beyond talking about basic amenities and instead focus on long-term economic solutions that directly improve people’s lives.
As Kenya moves closer to future elections, more young aspirants are stepping forward with hopes of changing the political landscape.
The discussion on Political Ringside showed that many voters are looking closely at leaders who can connect with their everyday struggles and demonstrate consistent action rather than empty promises.
