Garissa gubernatorial aspirant, Mr. Mohamed Shidiye, in a roundtable meeting with a diverse group of young individuals from various constituencies, in Garissa County at Garissa Children’s Park. PHOTO/UGC.
By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
Kenya’s former ambassador to Botswana and the leading aspirant in the Garissa gubernatorial race, Mr. Mohamed Shidiye, has underscored the critical role of youth in shaping the nation’s future.
During a gathering at Garissa Children’s Park, Mr. Shidiye engaged with a diverse group of young individuals from various constituencies, in Garissa County on Saturday discussing ways to incorporate them into leadership roles and facilitate generational change. The youth endorsed the gubernatorial aspirant and pledged to support him.
His vision highlights a multi-faceted approach to youth empowerment, aimed at fostering active participation and creating a more inclusive political environment.
One of the primary strategies to involve youth in leadership, Mr. Shidiye said is establishing platforms that facilitate their engagement in political and administrative processes.
Mr. Shidiye emphasized the importance of creating forums where young people can voice their concerns, share their ideas, and contribute to decision-making.
“These platforms should not only be accessible but also encourage active dialogue between youth and current leaders. By providing structured opportunities for youth to participate in policy discussions and governance, these platforms can help bridge the gap between generations and ensure that the perspectives of young people are represented in leadership,” he said.
The former envoy said empowering youth requires more than just opportunities; it necessitates the right skills and knowledge. Mr. Shidiye advocated for robust education and mentorship programs aimed at preparing the younger generation for leadership roles.
These programs he noted should focus on developing leadership skills, enhancing political literacy, and fostering a deep understanding of governance processes.
The envoy called for partnering with educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and experienced leaders, saying such initiatives can provide young individuals with the tools they need to navigate and influence the political landscape effectively.
He said to ensure that youth have a tangible impact on governance, it is crucial to involve them directly in policy development.
Mr. Shidiye’s vision includes integrating youth into policy-making bodies and advisory committees adding this involvement can be facilitated through youth councils or advisory boards that work alongside existing governance structures.
“These councils can contribute valuable insights on issues affecting their peers, such as education, employment, and social justice,” he said.
By having a seat at the table, Mr. Shidiye noted, young leaders can advocate for policies that address their unique needs and aspirations.
“Civic engagement is a cornerstone of effective leadership,’ he said.
Garissa gubernatorial aspirant, Mr. Mohamed Shidiye, (second from left), in a group photograph with some of the youth who met him in Garissa. PHOTO/UGC.
Mr. Shidiye highlighted the need to encourage youth participation in civic activities beyond traditional political roles.
“This includes involvement in community service, local development projects, and social advocacy,” he observed.
The gubernatorial candidate said by actively engaging in civic initiatives, young people can develop a sense of responsibility and ownership over their communities.
“Such involvement not only strengthens their leadership skills but also promotes a culture of active citizenship,” he emphasized.
For generational change to be meaningful, Mr. Shidiye said it must be inclusive and representative and called for policies that ensure diverse youth representation in leadership positions.
“This involves creating opportunities for young leaders from various backgrounds, including those from marginalized communities, to participate in governance,’ he advocated.
He said by ensuring that leadership reflects the demographic and socio-economic diversity of the population can enhance the effectiveness of policies and foster greater trust in the political system.
Supporting youth-led initiatives is another key aspect of Mr. Shidiye’s approach.
He said by providing resources, funding, and institutional support for projects led by young people, leaders can empower them to take charge of initiatives that address community needs.
“This support can help translate ideas into action, enabling youth to showcase their capabilities and drive positive change within their communities,” he stressed.
Mr. Mohamed Shidiye’s approach to involving youth in leadership and managing generational change is both visionary and practical.
By creating platforms for engagement, providing education and mentorship, incorporating youth in policy development, encouraging civic participation, promoting inclusivity, and supporting youth-led initiatives, Kenya can pave the way for a more dynamic and representative political future.
His call to action resonates with the growing recognition of youth as vital contributors to national progress, underscoring the need for a concerted effort to harness their potential and drive transformative change.
