Senator Abdul Haji calls for greater youth inclusion in governance
Empowering youth provides them with opportunities to engage in leadership and nurture a generation of responsible citizens
Garissa Senator Abdulkadir Mohamed Haji has called for greater youth participation in governance and national development, urging young people to take an active role in addressing the country's social, economic and political challenges.
Speaking during a meeting with University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) President Ahmed Rashid Burrow at his Senate office on Wednesday, June 17, the Senator emphasized the need to create meaningful platforms that allow young people to contribute to national conversations and decision-making processes.
Senator Haji noted that Kenya's youth possess immense potential, innovation and creativity that should be harnessed to drive the country's progress. He said young people should move beyond being passive observers and instead become active contributors to solutions that address the challenges facing society.
“Young people want to be part of the solution, not merely spectators to the challenges facing our society. Their ideas, energy and aspirations deserve to be heard, nurtured and meaningfully incorporated into our national discourse,” said the Senator.
He stressed that empowering youth and providing them with opportunities to engage in leadership would help nurture a generation of responsible citizens capable of steering the country towards sustainable development.
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The Senator further underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between experienced leaders and the younger generation, saying such partnerships would help bridge existing gaps, foster mutual understanding and create a more responsive leadership culture.
“There is an urgent need for a genuine intergenerational dialogue that brings together leaders and the youth to exchange perspectives, build trust, foster mentorship and work collectively towards a better future for our country,” he added.
During the meeting, UNSA President Ahmed Rashid Burrow lauded the Senator's commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive leadership. He reiterated the need for greater youth involvement in governance, noting that young people form a significant proportion of the country's population and should play a central role in shaping policies and national priorities.
Burrow also briefed the Senator on the recently concluded student elections at the University of Nairobi, saying it was a demonstration of the growing capacity of young people to participate effectively in democratic processes.
The third-year law student made history by becoming the first Muslim to be elected President of the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) in the university's 56-year history.
