Good morning, everyone, and thank you to the young people, the young presidents for inviting me to be a part of their dialogue. I would like to start my statement by picking up from the second last sentence of my last social media post. It’s a statement from our national anthem, may we dwell in unity, peace and liberty.
Unity is what these 47 presidents of county student associations representing 100 thousand plus young people from our tivets, colleges and universities have demonstrated today by coming together. What is unique about these groups is that they have created systems and structures that combine national and county governments all the way from having Wardrops, constitution, constituency reps, cabinet secretaries. And these presidents, they are challenging themselves to understand how leadership and governance works because in the next few years, they are the next MPs, the next CEOs, the next founders of organizations.
Each one of these young people has put behind their own individual ambitions and desires to combat challenges facing their counties, such as quality education, sports and talent promotion, mentorship and the like. They are organized and have come together with one called in Common Bond United. I know this because I have interacted and worked with some of you for the past year or so, and I’m very proud of your achievements thus far.
Peace is something that has been far from us in recent days. It is something that we are praying for and leading the front in attaining as young people. This is why we stand against the particular protests that have shown no leadership from young people, but rather a push from dark forces to create chaos in a country that we so love. Looted businesses and many days of operation lost for profit making organizations and community oriented companies are so disheartening. One of the ways out of poverty is entrepreneurship and business, something we’re encouraging our young people to engage in and something we have to strongly safeguard. I mean, how else will plenty be found within our borders? Liberty is our expression of freedom. We have freely used our voices and platforms to be a part of current affairs.
I say we because I stand before you today not just as the president’s daughter, but as one of you, a young Kenyan passionate about our country’s future. I hear your voices. I understand your concerns. The challenges we face as a generation are real and pressing. From unemployment to the rising cost of living, we are all feeling the impact of our current economic situation.
I want you to know that your engagement in our nation’s affairs is not just welcome, but essential. They all contribute the vibrant democracy we are building together. At the same time, I just also consider the complexities of governance solutions that seem simple of and have far reaching consequences we might not immediately see. This doesn’t mean we should stop pushing for change, but that we should approach these issues with nuance and openness to dialogue.
As I continue to use my platforms to support all young people, I would like us to engage constructively. Let’s criticize when necessary, but also propose solutions. Let’s be the generation that’s not known not just for its passion, but for its innovation in governance and civic participation.
I don’t have all the answers, and I won’t pretend to, but I’m here to listen, to learn and to walk alongside each of you for a Kenya that reflects our hopes and dreams. Asha, love for Kenya is what will indeed move us forward. May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty. Thank you.