By Elijah Cherutich
A section of youths in Nakuru has raised concern about how corruption limits their chances to access opportunities and build a supportive environment for self-employment.
Speaking in Nakuru town, the group led by Susan Mwangi said corruption has made it difficult for young people to compete fairly for teaching jobs, security positions and other government openings.
She said professionals should stand up and protect the space for the younger generation so they can contribute meaningfully to national development.
“When there are openings for recruitment into various government positions, those jobs often go to people with connections. As young people, unless you have money, you rarely get a chance,” she said.
Andrew Chege noted that many in Gen Z struggle to break into key networks and end up unemployed for long periods. He added that rising insecurity is also threatening the environment young people rely on to start businesses and grow.
“Many young people have no one to support them or open doors for them. We need to see a real shift,” he said.
Isaac Newton Kinity, former Secretary General of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants, said young people need a fair platform to participate in governance and influence national conversations on the economy.
He said that if elected president, he would prioritise giving youth the space to address the issues that hold them back and help inject fresh ideas into the country.
The youths also urged elected leaders to champion accelerated voter registration among young people to ensure they take part in the 2027 General Election.
Their concerns come at a time of increased calls for the inclusion of young people in governance and policy decisions that directly affect them.
