International Youth Week.

I’m sure a lot of us do not know if such a thing actually exist, but now you know right? To kick start the youth week, Mzalendo in partnership with Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association held a Bunge Youth Dialogue Forum aimed at promoting dialogue for Responsive Youth Advocacy and Inclusion on the 7th of August 2023.

A number of youths were hosted in the mini chambers at County Hall, but not just any other youth of course, the vocal and politically connected, the chosen few if I may say . We had the likes of Tabitha Rachael, Hon FiuniFiu, Esther Nyonje,Francis Okwara among others. A good selection for sure, well balanced in terms of gender and county representation.

The notable speaker was the one and only Nathaniel Mongare, very intelligent, composed young fellow, he played the role perfectly, maybe it has always been his dream, and he came to live it. You could tell by how well he took the point of orders,and the well rehearsed ” as many as are of the similar opinion say aye”. Oh! He took pride, it was his jurisdiction anyway and he maintained his house perfectly.

For orientation and learning purposes, it was a very thoughtful kind of dialogue, away from expensive hotels to where the real action is, on the chambers. First hand experience, being vocal on the ground versus on the floor of the house, are you able to debate issues , represent your people or are you among the members who don’t even understand their constituents needs. The latter, came out quite clear, when the committee that had been tasked on the cost of living, failed to deliver tangible recommendations according to the youth members present in the house. We are actually a representation of the leaders we chose.Just thinking out loud.

I believe When you are given such a platform it is your responsibility to show up, well researched and ready to debate actual issues. It is an opportunity to speak on behalf of the millions of youths who are suffering on the ground, but I guess when we are a bit privileged we lose sight of things and now the point of orders becomes about coat colors pink or purple.Insignificant!

I’m not surprised why youths have always been taken for a ride, because we do not take ourselves seriously either. We have a whole week aimed at recognizing and celebrating youths ,but I guess there is nothing to be happy about. It is a sad state of affairs and probably the highlight of the week, the only lady who deserves to be celebrated, is this lady from Uasin Gishu county who called out her leaders outright and actually told them if they send goons to kill her it’s fine at least she will not have done it herself. She was fed up with the lies and being taken for a ride, you should too fellow youth. Find the clip Here.

According to William Isaac,Dialogue is more than the exchange of words it is the embrace of different points of view- Literally the art of thinking together. It is important, and its not just what you say but also how you say it. One of the major problem we have as youths in politics, we don’t have one voice, quick question how many youth manifestos were launched last year before elections? Who has read one? It was all for show and some good reimbursement? We complained and even put a press statement on having a youth as a member of the cabinet, as a PS . We are really taken for a ride, but until when? Probably it’s the curse of Youth hood, you just have to survive through it, being looked down upon as too young and naive. We cannot even finish discussing the young women, are they in the youth category or women category or both? Forever remaining in the special Interest group.

The ages of 18-35 , aim is to come out alive and with something of your own, to set you up for old age. As it stands right now, God for us all, Man for himself. A bit harsh but true.