The recent episode of Political Ringside featured a detailed discussion between host Fridah Mong’are and Chibeka Matara, the Chairperson of the KANU Youth Congress, about the role of young people in Kenyan political parties.
They explored a serious but often overlooked issue, youth leagues are frequently sidelined, even though they are considered the future of leadership.
Many parties rely on young members to mobilize voters and fill crowds during campaigns, but these same members rarely get to influence decisions that shape the party’s direction.
Chibeka Matara described how things function in KANU, one of Kenya’s older political parties. The party has structured systems that start at the branch level and extend up to national leadership.
The youth wing exists as part of these structures because party rules require it, but when important decisions are made, young people are often excluded. Matara cited an example from the Rift Valley, where coalition deals and regional agreements were reached without consulting the youth league.
Situations like this leave young members feeling used rather than valued, with their main role being mobilization rather than meaningful participation.
This is not a problem unique to KANU. Across Kenyan parties, youth are often given positions that look significant on paper but do not carry real influence.
Their involvement is mostly symbolic, creating token representation. After elections, youth who worked hard to secure votes are sidelined until the next campaign period.
This pattern discourages young people and reduces their trust in party structures.
The discussion also covered the way coalitions are formed in Kenya. Many alliances are created out of convenience rather than shared values.
Young members join parties believing in their principles, only to see these values shift whenever leaders make deals.
Matara explained that this dynamic makes it hard for youth to remain committed, especially when combined with economic pressures and limited opportunities.
He noted that in 2024, youth showed strong interest in politics, but the response from authorities limited their engagement.
Despite this, he remains optimistic about the lead-up to the 2027 elections, suggesting that youth can play a larger role if changes are made.
Matara recommended giving young members formal rights in coalition agreements, such as guaranteed seats or voting power in decision-making committees.
Parties should also maintain consistency in their identities and promises rather than changing positions purely for power gains.
He stressed that political decisions affect everyone’s daily life, including jobs, taxes, and public services, which is why youth participation is crucial.
Young Kenyans should engage in politics based on their beliefs, push for reforms, and demand real influence within party structures.
