ADVERT 
Dan Nyibule’s call for young people to embrace digital spaces and participate actively in leadership comes at a critical time for Kenya and Africa. As technology continues to transform how people communicate, access information, and engage with public institutions, young people have an important opportunity to influence public discourse, shape policies, and contribute to the development of their communities and countries.
Nyibule made the remarks while participating in and facilitating sessions at the 8th Southern African Youth Forum in South Africa, held under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community. The three-day forum brought together young leaders, development partners, and policymakers to discuss regional challenges and explore solutions that place young people at the centre of sustainable development.
The forum’s focus on food security, water resilience, sustainable agriculture, climate action, and youth empowerment demonstrates the importance of involving young people in decisions that directly affect their future. These issues are closely connected to employment, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunities. Young people should therefore not be treated merely as beneficiaries of development programmes but as active partners in designing and implementing solutions.
For too long, youth participation in leadership and decision-making has often been limited to consultations and symbolic inclusion. This must change. Young people deserve meaningful opportunities to participate in policy development, public planning, governance, and implementation. Their involvement should extend beyond attending conferences or being invited to speak at events. Their ideas and recommendations must be reflected in actual decisions and programmes.
ADVERTLeadership is also about more than holding political office. A young person who contributes to community development, engages in civic activities, advocates for better policies, promotes accountability, or uses digital platforms to educate others is already participating in leadership. The challenge is to create an environment where such participation is recognized, supported, and connected to formal decision-making processes.
The internet provides one of the most powerful opportunities for young people to strengthen their participation. Digital platforms allow young people to communicate, exchange ideas, access information, engage leaders, raise community concerns, and contribute to national conversations. For Kenya’s youth, these platforms can become important tools for civic engagement and democratic participation.
However, embracing digital spaces must go beyond social media trends and entertainment. Young people should use technology to promote informed conversations, share credible information, engage in public debates, and advocate for issues affecting their communities. Digital participation should be measured not only by followers, likes, or views but by the quality of ideas shared and the positive impact created.
With this opportunity comes responsibility. Young people must use digital platforms responsibly by verifying information, avoiding misinformation, and promoting respectful dialogue. A digitally empowered generation must also be a digitally responsible generation. The internet should bring people together around solutions rather than create unnecessary division.
There is also a need to address the digital divide. Many young people, particularly in rural and underserved areas, still face challenges accessing affordable internet, digital devices, and digital skills. Governments, development partners, and the private sector must invest in digital inclusion so that every young person has an opportunity to participate in the digital economy and civic space.
Digital literacy should therefore be treated as both an economic and civic skill. Young people need to understand how to access reliable information, communicate effectively, protect themselves online, and use technology to advance their communities. This will strengthen their ability to participate meaningfully in democratic processes and contribute to national development.
The call for youth to have a seat at the decision-making table must also be matched by a commitment from young people to prepare themselves for leadership. Participation requires knowledge, integrity, discipline, and responsibility. Young people must understand public institutions, policies, budgets, and the challenges facing their communities. They must be willing to engage constructively and hold leaders accountable while also accepting the responsibility that comes with leadership.
Kenya’s large youth population has the potential to significantly influence the country’s political, economic, and social direction. However, youth participation should not become important only during election periods. Young people should remain engaged throughout the political and development cycle by participating in public forums, policy discussions, community initiatives, and accountability processes.
Political parties, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners also have a responsibility to create genuine opportunities for youth participation. Young people should be viewed as citizens and partners in development rather than simply as a source of political support. Their participation must be based on issues, ideas, and solutions.
The experience of regional forums such as the Southern African Youth Forum further demonstrates the importance of connecting young leaders across Africa. Challenges such as climate change, food security, unemployment, and water resilience require cooperation beyond national borders. Young people must therefore be encouraged to participate in regional conversations and contribute to solutions that address shared challenges.
Ultimately, Nyibule’s message is a timely reminder that young people cannot afford to remain spectators in decisions that shape their lives. They must participate, engage, organize, innovate, and lead. At the same time, institutions must create genuine spaces where their voices can influence decisions.
Kenya’s youth have the energy, creativity, and digital tools needed to contribute significantly to the country’s future. What is required is a stronger culture of meaningful participation, supported by responsible digital engagement and inclusive leadership opportunities. The internet must become more than a platform for communication; it must be a tool for civic participation, accountability, innovation, and development.
The future of Kenya and Africa will depend partly on how effectively young people are included in shaping it. Youth participation should therefore not be treated as an optional component of development. It should be recognized as an essential part of building responsive institutions, strengthening democracy, and creating sustainable solutions.
The time has come for young people to take their rightful place in leadership and for decision-makers to ensure that the space at the table is not only offered but genuinely shared.
